JACKSON, Tenn. — Oct. 3, 2012 — 51社区鈥檚 School of Pharmacy sponsored a blood drive in early September at Lifeline Blood Services in Jackson, with more than 25 students and faculty members helping to collect about 50 units of blood during the three-day drive.
On average, Lifeline receives 13 units each day. With the School of Pharmacy鈥檚 advertising and promotion, the average increased to 19 each day for the week.
The planning for the event began in the summer by Sam Shah, who serves as president of the National Community Pharmacist Association and secretary of the American Pharmacist Association鈥檚 student chapter.
鈥淲hat NCPA tries to do is partner with community organizations to advance their mission and at the same time, let them know that we are here for them,鈥� said Kent Stoneking, associate professor and chair of pharmacy practice in the School of Pharmacy. 鈥淪o while blood donations don鈥檛 specifically align with pharmacy, it does align with community healthcare.鈥�
The goal behind the event was to educate the community about the importance of donating blood and supporting the dire needs of blood banks in the area.
鈥淭he purpose behind the event was strictly to impact the health care of West Tennessee in a positive manner,鈥� Shah said. 鈥淥ur School of Pharmacy has preached the value of serving our community in every way possible.鈥�
Due to rules and regulations, the students of the School of Pharmacy were not able to provide any hands-on treatment during the event. However, their primary goal was promoting the event to the community.
Prior to the drive, Shah and Stoneking were featured on WBBJ-TV to promote the drive.
Each donor received a free T-shirt and entered into a chance to win Tennessee Titans tickets.
The School of Pharmacy was recently awarded full accreditation status for its Doctor of Pharmacy program and is a member of the American Pharmacists Association Academy of Student Pharmacists.