MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) – Dream Chasers Allied Health and Trade School hosted a blood drive with Vitalant on Thursday.

Dream Chasers Allied Health is a trade school that offers several different medical certifications ranging from phlebotomy, medical assistant, and pharmacy tech.

The school also offers cosmetology, carpentry, welding, electrical, and plumbing classes as well.

Owner and Executive Director Sherren Smith said it is important to host blood drives to give back to the community.

“Well, because myself, I am a healthcare provider. I’m a nurse. I’ve been a nurse for over 25 years, and I just want to be a part of the community doing something bigger than myself, which is giving back not just training, healthcare students and getting certified, but they also need jobs. So, with that being said, I want them to see the importance of their training and to see the other side of it, meaning giving back by giving blood because they never know when they’re going to be on the other side of care and they need some blood,” said Smith.

One donor said he encourages more people to donate because they will save lives.

“Well, I know there’s a great need and the supply is very low. We can help somebody else very easily by just offering a few minutes of our time, especially those of us who are blessed with good health and able to do that, and the benefits are good for them. It’s good for the donor as well,” said Rick Brooks, a blood donor.

If you missed your opportunity to give blood on Thursday, Vitalant will be at the Meridian Lauderdale County Public Library on Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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