HCU Joins KPRC & Gulf Coast Blood to Host Life-Saving Blood Drive

Houston Christian University (HCU) joined forces with KPRC-2 Community and Gulf Coast Blood to host its spring blood drive.

HCU faculty, staff and students signed up to make a difference through the annual drive that resulted in 23 successful donations and collection of 26 units of blood that can potentially save up to 78 patients in need.

"This blood drive shows what's possible when a university community lives out its values through action," said Stephanie Jacksis, Gulf Coast Blood's Corporate Communications Manager.

"Houston Christian University didn't just exceed a goal, they demonstrated service, leadership and compassion in a very real way. Our hope is that students carry the spirit of giving with them and continue saving lives wherever life takes them."

Donors signed up in advance, and some stopped by the donor bus on the day of the drive to do their part to give to individuals in need.

HCU nursing faculty member, Marinela Castano, who joined the University in January, understands the ongoing need for blood donations and described the process.

"The experience itself is pretty easy, the donation itself takes five minutes," shared Castano, who welcomed the opportunity to do her part to save lives.

The full process takes about an hour, including registration for walk-in donors, a confidential health screening, checking blood pressure, temperature, pulse, iron and hemoglobin levels, and a short recovery period with refreshments.

Darian Cheatham, an HCU alum who now works for the University in Human Resources, looks forward to donating blood during the on-campus blood drives.

"I give blood because it's one of the only things that can't be manufactured to save lives. Granted not everyone is able to donate, but being a part of a charity where I can grant someone another chance at life means a lot to me."

Other donors were inspired by personal connections. HCU Police Officer Gloria Ponce-Stewart shared her reason for participating:

"I have a sister with sickle cell, and it makes her more at ease knowing that I donate blood in hopes that she one day will get my blood," said HCU Police Officer Gloria Ponce-Stewart.

Suarez, a freshman business management major, called the donor drive "a great opportunity to help other people," and shared that a member of her own family has directly benefited from the generosity of blood donors.

In addition to contributing to a life-saving cause, donors received a Lonestar Life Saver T-shirt and had the option to take a free A1C diabetes test.

HCU collaborates with KPRC and Gulf Coast Blood on an ongoing basis to host life-saving blood drives as an expression of its faith-based mission, emphasizing compassion and service to others.