Student Nurses Association hosts sixth blood drive

Since spring 2024, nursing students at Ohio University Southern have collected 196 blood donations. Because a single donation can help as many as three patients, that work has the potential to reach 588 lives across the tri-state.

On Tuesday, Sept. 1, they’re again calling on the community to roll up a sleeve for their sixth blood drive.

The OHIO Southern Student Nurses Association will host its sixth American Red Cross blood drive from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Riffe Rotunda. Donors can register in advance or walk in, and everyone giving should bring a photo ID or donor card.

"Every donation counts, and we love seeing the community come together for this," said Associate Professor of Instruction Nicole Stumbo, who advises the association. "A steady blood supply matters for patients facing surgeries, cancer treatment and emergencies."

The February drive was the group's strongest yet, bringing in a record 49 donations and hitting 175% of the goal set by the Red Cross. The chapter now holds Premier Partner status with the organization, a designation earned through sustained commitment to blood collection.

The students run it. Association members check donors in, sit with them through the process and spend the weeks beforehand getting the word out across campus. Many of the people who walk through the door are first-time donors, and a good number of them are OHIO Southern students.

September's drive comes with something extra. The Red Cross has partnered with Hello Kitty and Friends, so anyone who gives blood, platelets or AB Elite plasma between Sept. 1 and Sept. 20 will receive an exclusive plush mascot clip and sticker pack while supplies last.

Blood drives are one piece of a larger habit. The association also works with the Harvest for the Hungry food pantry and turns up for outreach programs and civic events throughout Lawrence County.

"The heart of nursing is service to the community," Stumbo said. "Being part of these drives helps our students build real connections with the people they will care for."

Give blood Tuesday, Sept. 1, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Riffe Rotunda at OHIO Southern. Register now to reserve your appointment.