Baylor University Named Carter BloodCare College of the Year
Media Contact: Lori Fogleman, 254-710-6275
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by Gabrielle White, student newswriter
WACO, Texas (Sept. 13, 2018) – Carter BloodCare recognized Baylor University as its 2017-18 College of the Year, thanks to faculty and students’ donations of more than 1,000 units of blood that saved 3,000 lives.
With the help of four on-campus organizations, Baylor hosted 29 blood drives in 2017. Alpha Phi Omega (APO), Multicultural Association of Prehealth Students (MAPS), American Medical Student Association (AMSA) and Baylor Law School each hosted blood drives throughout the year. University Development also hosted a blood drive, encouraging the involvement of faculty and staff.
“Seeing that Baylor was awarded as one of the top blood drives from Carter BloodCare keeps us motivated to achieve higher goals for each blood drive,” said Brandon Seto, APO blood drive co-chair and senior nutrition sciences major from Katy, Texas. “With APO voicing how donors are contributing to a great cause and saving lives influences others to donate as well.”
Every year, APO hosts two blood drives in September and April. In April, the APO blood drive is a “Gallon Challenge,” where for every gallon of blood collected, Carter BloodCare donates a gallon of water to Mission Waco.
“We know that donating blood fills a great need around the nation, so we are always really motivated to bring the blood drive to campus and promote it,” said Julia Stricklin, Baylor APO president and senior accounting major from Mandeville, Louisiana. “I am also happy APO can be a part of helping our peers begin a good habit by providing the opportunity to donate twice a year.”
For the 2018-19 school year, Carter BloodCare is focusing on reaching Baylor audiences through social media channels. Carter BloodCare hopes to reach a demographic of ages 19 to 35 because they are the least represented in blood donations.
“One of our main areas of focus is to increase our engagement with young adults,” said Clinton McCoy with Carter BloodCare. “Over the next few years, we are prioritizing our relationships with our university and college partners and looking for ways to really promote the impact that this generation can have in our community.”
McCoy emphasized that the partnership between Baylor and Carter BloodCare is of great benefit to the community. Blood donated on Baylor campus stays within the community and makes up 25 to 50 percent of blood needed at hospitals in the Waco area.
“Opportunities for Carter BloodCare and Baylor are endless,” McCoy said. “We could create education initiatives and health care initiatives and educate students on the need for blood so they can be dedicated to habitual blood donation.”
Carter BloodCare’s 2018 social media campaign ran from Sept. 4 to Sept. 10 to coincide with the start of football season, back to school and the on-campus blood drive. Carter BloodCare is so passionate about their partnership with Baylor they had a Baylor APO sponsor group paint a BU logo on the front entry grass of their donor center, McCoy said.
Carter BloodCare is looking forward to their partnership with Baylor growing. They plan for students to be able to utilize their marketing promotions on campus during their blood drive campaigns and have already been in touch with student activities for future on campus possibilities.
“We want to give Baylor the biggest opportunity to let their light shine,” McCoy said. “This is Baylor’s blood drive and community, and they have the chance to shine their light by donating to better the Waco community.”
ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 17,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions.