USCA celebrates 30 years of saving lives

USCA held its annual spring blood drive March 18, giving blood to save lives throughout the CSRA.

“I appreciate the partnership that USCA has maintained with Shepeard Community Blood Center,” said Samantha Grimes, account manager at Shepeard. 

“One small, simple act of kindness can provide lifesaving treatments for up to three patients, and that is the greatest gift that we can provide to anyone. I can only wish that I realized the importance earlier in life.”  

Giving back to the community is what inspired at least one Pacer to roll up her sleeves during the blood drive. Julissa Burton, USCA ’29, has been giving blood since her 17th birthday.

“I want to help save lives,” the biology major said. 

“It doesn’t hurt, and think about it: If you ever wanted or needed blood, you’d want others to have donated blood for you.”

During the day-long event, Burton and more than 20 students, faculty and staff donated 19 pints of blood.

That’s just a drop in the bucket. 

The university has had a longstanding relationship with Shepeard that has spanned three decades. Each year, USCA holds several blood drives on campus.

“At USCA, one of our goals is to help our students learn how to connect with their communities and help meet their needs,” said Andrew Hendrix, USCA director of external recruitment, who organizes the event on campus.

“Partnering with Shepeard over the past 30 years has provided amazing benefits to our students and campus, as well as to the patients throughout the CSRA, who have received the nearly 4,000 units of blood donated by the USCA community. We can’t wait for year 31 to begin in the fall.”

Go Back More News