The Meek bloodmobile saw an increase in participants during the blood drive on ACU campus Jan. 30 with the collection of 48 pints of blood from 69 donors.

Most of the donated blood stays in Abilene at either Hendrick Medical Center or Abilene Regional Hospital, but Meek Blood Center also supplies blood to 17 hospitals within a 125-mile radius of Abilene.

Frances Baker, donor recruiter for the Meek Blood Center, also acknowledges the importance of donating blood.

“People are in situations where they need a blood transfusion to live,” Baker said. “And they are at the mercy of someone who has healthy blood.”

People are permitted to give blood every 8 weeks. In fact, the Meek Blood Center has over a dozen consistent donors.

“This May, we have a man who will hit the 100 gallon mark,” Baker said. “It is important to establish a habit in college, don’t wait for a crisis.”

Annelise Hernandez, senior psychology major from El Paso, participated in last week’s blood drive.

“Giving blood is such an easy way to give back to those in need,” Hernandez said. “We often don’t take the time of day to donate because of time or not seeing the point.”

The destination of the donor’s blood isn’t always known, but Annelise was notified when her blood was used.

“I got a phone call one day and was told that the blood I donated here at ACU was used to help save a person involved in an accident,” Hernandez said. “Hearing that strengthened my belief in the importance of donating.”

Giving blood is considered community service and fulfills community ACU service hours with the submission of proper paperwork.

Students interested in donating blood can go to the Meek Blood Center located at 1150 N. 18th on the first floor of the Cedar Mall Building. The Meek bloodmobile will be back on campus April 17.