VGCC Nursing student coordinates Blood Drive


VGCC Nursing student Elaine Harrison is seen here in front of the “Bloodmobile,” which was parked in front of the Civic Center on VGCC’s Main Campus during the blood drive that she coordinated. (VGCC photo)

VGCC Nursing student Elaine Harrison is seen here in front of the “Bloodmobile,” which was parked in front of the Civic Center on VGCC’s Main Campus during the blood drive that she coordinated. (VGCC photo)

Vance-Granville Community College hosted an American Red Cross Blood Drive on its Main Campus in Vance County on July 21. A VGCC Associate Degree Nursing student, Elaine Harrison of Oxford, served as coordinator of the blood drive.

Harrison said that she was “very pleased” with the drive, which resulted in the donation of 19 units of blood. One unit can provide blood for three people. “I am currently holding a position as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) while I’m also a nursing student, and I know the impact that donated blood has on so many lives,” Harrison said. “Being able to be on the other end for a day was very rewarding.”

By serving as the coordinator, Harrison became eligible for a scholarship opportunity through the American Red Cross. She is scheduled to graduate from the Associate Degree Nursing program in May 2016.

VGCC instructor Sharon O’Geary prepares to give blood for the first time. (VGCC photo)

VGCC instructor Sharon O’Geary prepares to give blood for the first time. (VGCC photo)

Harrison added that it was “humbling” to see so many people doing “something good” for the community at the drive. Many of those donating blood were VGCC faculty and staff, including first-time donor Sharon O’Geary, an instructor for the college’s Human Services Technology program. The head of that program, Tracy Wallace, was there to give blood as well and to support his colleague. O’Geary admitted to being “excited and anxious” before donating. “Once I do it, I will be able to overcome my fears,” she said. O’Geary added that she had always wanted to donate blood because of how much it could help others. As she put it, “we all bleed red.” After giving blood, O’Geary said, “It was an easy and gratifying process. Blood donation is life-saving, and I will definitely donate again.”

Blood donations typically decrease during the summer months, but the need for blood never lets up, according to the Red Cross.