SIUE Upward Bound Students Help Save Lives with Annual Blood Drive
Students and their families made their way in the hot temperatures on Friday, July 14 to participate in a critical activity to help save lives.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s TRIO Upward Bound (UB) EC/MLC Programs held its fourth annual blood drive operated by ImpactLife Blood Center of Earth City, Mo., at the Wyvetter H. Young Higher Education Campus.
“Every year the students are charged with how they can give back to the community,” said Akiya Perry, BSN, RN, UB counselor, tutor and science teacher. “One way that they have found that is universal is a blood drive. A blood donation is a good way for students to get involved and spread awareness of how important it is to donate blood.”
UB surpassed its goal of 13, collecting 16 units of whole blood with 36 people donating. The UB students who donated blood included: juniors Ashton Brazell, Tabryn Hall and Isaiah Riley, and seniors Armani Lewis and Amayah Mazyan.
“We had several family members who participated,” said Perry. “Each student was asked to invite one person to donate blood, and some invited more. We also had Upward Bound staff and graduate assistants who participated.”
“This was an important event, and I’m proud of the students for their work and participation,” added Perry. “The blood we collected today can save lives anywhere, not just in East St. Louis.”
Upward Bound programs help youth prepare for higher education and serves students from East St. Louis, Charter (EC) and Madison, Lovejoy, Cahokia (MLC) high schools. Participants receive instruction in literature, composition and STEM subjects on college campuses after school, on Saturdays and during the summer. The quality services provided will prepare the students for successful high school completion and entrance into post-secondary programs. Upward Bound is a college-preparatory program designed to serve low-income and/or potential first-generation college students who are currently in grades 9-12. Upward Bound is part of the SIUE East St. Louis Center.
Photos:
UB junior Na’Renzo Gardner donates blood in the ImpactLife Mobile Blood Unit.
(L-R): UB students who donated blood – Isaiah Riley, Tabryn Hall, Amayah Mazyan, Armani Lewis and Ashton Brazell.
