Donate Blood During the U of A's 2nd Annual Winter Tip-Off Blood Drive

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Emerson Rowe, senior, and Ahmed Tolba, junior, invite you to the Tip-Off Blood Drive.

The Winter Tip-Off Blood Drive will be hosted from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, Feb. 5 - 7, in the Arkansas Union Verizon Ballroom.

U of A senior Gary Jackson is very passionate about the impact that blood drives can have on your life and those you love.

"When I was in fifth grade, I was with my dad when he suffered a traumatic injury that left him in the ICU for 18 days. There were times when me, my brother and my sister did not know if he was coming home," Jackson said. "It's quite a feeling to have someone you love be in that state, and there isn't anything you can do to help them."

Jackson said his dad received multiple blood transfusions and was able to come home to his family. He recalls it being an emotional time filled with laughter and tears as they were able to be together again.

"I know that my dad wouldn't have come home if it wasn't for those who donate blood," Jackson said. "The people that saved my dad may never know who I am, but I will never forget what they did."

Inspired by this performance, Jackson joined ASG President Lauren Loften last year in devising how the U of A could be a part of combatting the national blood shortage. Partnering with the Red Cross, Volunteer Action Center and notable other community partners, they worked to host our university's first tip-off blood drive. 

"That drive was a huge success, with more than 750 donors, giving the potential to save 2,400 lives and securing the SEC Student Government of the Year award," Jackson said.

Jackson is excited to build upon the success of previous blood drives. 

"I want this drive to be a fun and memorable experience for everyone," Jackson said. "We will be giving all donors a $20 Amazon e-gift card, a custom-made Razorback T-shirt, free Chick-fil-A and Eureka Pizza, and a raffle with prizes such as a signed coach Musselman basketball, a Nintendo Switch, Apple Airpods and so much more."

Blood drives can seem scary to some people, and that is something Jackson recognizes.

"Trust me, I know how intimidating that donating blood can be," Jackson laughed. "I'm a pre-med student who was scared of needles until I decided to donate blood last year. But, this blood drive gives our community an opportunity to unite and be a part of something bigger than any one of us."

Don't miss out on the Winter Tip-Off Blood Drive — it's not just about giving blood but giving others hope! The drive will be happening on Feb. 5 to 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Arkansas Union Verizon Ballroom. To make an appointment, please sign up on the Red Cross blood services website.