Missouri Western State University marks 25 years since 9/11 with blood drive
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Missouri Western State University is marking the 25th anniversary of 9/11 with several activities, including a blood drive with Community Blood Center.
The blood drive took place Wednesday, Sept. 9, in Blum Student Union.
There’s also a competition involved. The local first responder unit with the most donors will take home the blood drive trophy before the annual stair climb on Friday, Sept. 11.
Angie Osborn, director of the Center of Services at MoWest, said they wanted to make this year’s celebration bigger and better to mark the 25th anniversary.
“On 9/11, that was the many ways that Americans came together. Those who are too far away from New York City can help from anywhere, so we wanted to give back to our first responders,” he said.
She said they also wanted to turn the event into a challenge for the community and encourage more people to get involved. That’s where the idea for the Battle of the Badges blood drive came in.
The event is a friendly competition between first responder units in the area. Community members who come out to donate can also vote for their favorite first responder unit.
So far, 12 people have signed up to donate blood, but Osborn said more people are planning to stop by when they can.
“There are others who are planning to drop by whenever they can. We are hoping to get as many blood donors as possible to help save lives,” Osborn added.
Kari Beever, an account manager for Community Blood Center, said everyone who donates will receive a T-shirt.
She also said the first responder unit that wins the Battle of the Badges Challenge, based on the number of votes it receives, will take home a trophy.
“Anyone 18 and over can just bring an ID to donate. If somebody is 16, they need parental consent,” she said.
The blood drive isn’t just for MoWest students or faculty. Anyone from the community is welcome and encouraged to stop by and donate.
Beever emphasized how blood is something that cannot be reproduced and is needed by so many people. Every donation can make a difference for someone who needs it.
“We supply the area hospitals, the ambulances, first responders and the blood that goes out with them to rescue people comes from this,” she said.
Beever hopes the blood drive will raise more awareness on campus and encourage students to get involved by donating.
