Above: From left are Michelle Everett, MGCCC alumna and blood drive coordinator; Rachelle Daugherty, Student Activities coordinator at the Jefferson Davis Campus; and Dana Brohaugh, Mississippi Blood Services marketing representative at the awards ceremony in Jackson.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College- Jefferson Davis Campus was recognized by Mississippi Blood Services on January 26 as the “Community College of the Year.” The annual award was given to the college because of a blood drive held on campus in February 2016. During that blood drive, the Jefferson Davis Campus sponsored four children from Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital with various forms of cancer. Two of the children have since passed away, while two of them continue to do well with their treatments.

“Two years ago, we discovered that my nephew, Andrew McCall, had a rare form of leukemia,” said Dr. Jonathan Woodward, campus vice president.  “He is in the middle of cancer treatment through Blair E. Batson and is fighting this terrible disease with all he has.  We wanted to find a way for our employees and students to tangibly support Andrew and other children in a similar situation.  Knowing that the units of blood collected were helping these four young children, including Andrew, in their fight with cancer meant a lot to all of us. We plan to continue donating blood and helping the children’s hospital this year, as well.”

During the two-day drive, the JD Campus collected 116 units of blood. Due to the outstanding response by donors, the four children were given a $10,000 sponsorship towards their blood products. The Reflections Team and Student Government Association also created and personally delivered baskets to each of the children. Each basket contained a blood drive shirt with every member’s signature and well-wishes written on it, and a variety of toys.

Rachelle Daugherty, Student Activities coordinator, and Michelle Everett, Jefferson Davis alumna and coordinator of the blood drive, were present at the ceremony in Jackson to accept the award on behalf of the Jefferson Davis Campus.

The Jefferson Davis Campus is hosting a second blood drive on April 4-5, 2017, from 10 a.m. -5 p.m. with Mississippi Blood Services. They will sponsor four children again in this drive.