Liberty University partners with American Red Cross to fight blood crisis

Liberty University held its second large-scale blood drive of the school year on Thursday to combat a blood crisis that the American Red Cross is calling its worst shortage in over a decade.

Liberty’s Student Health and Wellness, the School of Nursing, and the Division for Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity held the drive in partnership and the American Red Cross in the Jerry Falwell Library with close to 200 student participants.

“In this crisis, many of our neighbors are suddenly at increased risk,” said Shon Muldrow, Executive Vice President of Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity. “It is our Christian duty to help. The lives of people with Sickle Cell Anemia depend on blood transfusions. Furthermore, blood availability is crucial in treating cancer patients, accident victims, and the seriously ill. Liberty University stands with the community and is proud of its students, faculty, and staff willing to give.”

“Health is an essential virtue to the body of Christ in its ability to be the hands and feet of Jesus,” said Keith Anderson, Executive Director of Student Health and Wellness. “Therefore, the New Testament compelled the church to be interested in the state of health for its community.”

Last month, the Red Cross declared its first-ever blood crisis just as severe winter weather around the nation resulted in hundreds of blood drives being canceled.

“In regard to the national blood crisis, which is a term which we have not heard in at least my 17 years of blood banking, we are in a blood crisis for a number of reasons, but it’s never been this low in over a decade,” said Melanie Mitchell (’94), district manager for the American Red Cross. “We are really looking for a lot of people to present and give.”

Because the Red Cross supplies 40 percent of the nation’s blood, they have had to limit their blood distributions to hospitals in recent weeks. Blood and platelet donations are needed to prevent further delays in critical medical treatments.

“Blood drives meet an important need in each community,” said School of Nursing Dean Dr. Shanna Akers. “From supporting young children to patients battling cancer to those who are receiving transplants, each blood donor is saving a life. I have donated since my early 20s and do so regularly. And as a critical care nurse, I have personally seen what a difference blood drives make. The Liberty University School of Nursing supports the American Red Cross blood drives in our region to help those who need our care most. It is exciting to see our student body, faculty, and staff across the campus coming together to donate. The more we donate, the more lives we save, and what a blessing it is to our communities.”

Last October, Liberty held a two-day Red Cross blood drive to serve those afflicted with Sickle Cell Anemia and over 120 donations were given.

Additionally, Liberty holds monthly blood drives on campus through LU Serve and student club initiatives. Over 300 units of blood were donated between last month’s and last week’s drives.