Community members and University of Arkansas - Fort Smith faculty, staff and students will have a chance to save lives when the campus hosts a blood drive from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. April 23-24 in the Reynolds Room of the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center.

 

Dr. Lee Krehbiel of Fort Smith, vice chancellor for student affairs, cites a letter from a former student as the reason why he donates blood at every campus drive.  

 

“A couple of years ago, a student wrote me and told her story of having been in a situation in which she personally received multiple units of blood, perhaps some from fellow students,” he said. “She was grateful that UAFS students and staff participate in the blood drives because she knew how critical an adequate supply was to her own health.

 

“Giving blood meets a real human need, about which there is little controversy, in a convenient fashion with only mild discomfort,” he added.

 

Stephanie London of Fort Smith, student activities event coordinator, says she has been impressed with the amount of UAFS employees who donate blood.  

 

“It’s exciting to see so many UAFS faculty and staff realize that giving blood is a worthwhile opportunity to give back to the local community,” London said.

 

For the fourth year in a row, the “Bleed Blue Battle” will take place during the April blood drive. The Sebastian Commons and the Lion’s Den will compete to see who can get the most blood donations, with the winner of the competition receiving a traveling trophy.

 

Donors will receive refreshments and a free T-shirt. To make a reservation, call 479-788-7697. For more information, email studentactivities@uafs.edu.