SU Masons help save lives with blood drive

Helping others is a task upon which Historically Black Colleges and Universities were built upon, a task that the Jno G. Lewis Jr. Mason Lodge #261 is taking up with great perseverance.
The Southern University affiliated Masonic Lodge sponsored its first annual blood drive on Wednesday, September 12, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The effort by this on campus organization is indicative of the true spirit of community service that thrives on the Southern University’s Baton Rouge Campus.
“So many people have health problems, especially in the African American community; and I feel that those of us who are healthy enough, have the duty and responsibility to stand up and do what we can to assist those in need,” said Mason Jared Crawford, Event Coordinator.
LifeShare Blood Center is the organization that will be operating in conjunction with the on campus Masonic Lodge in order to complete the blood collection process. On their website is the story of Marcus McKinney that proves that a one time blood donation can save the life of another.
McKinney’s story begins with an oil tank explosion near Helfin, which resulted in third-degree burns on more than 48-percent of his body. He has since undergone nine surgeries and may require additional medical attention, although it seems that he is healing properly and may make a full recovery because of the blood donations of those caring community individuals.
Statistics on the LifeShare website tell us that one out of three individuals will need a blood transfusion at some point in their life. In addition about 470 patients a day utilize the blood donated by some 14,000 caring people that donate with the company monthly.
“I am very proud to see a Masonic Lodge sponsoring this event; I extend my full support,” said Aaron Ventress, a sophomore from Opelousas. Ventress is an experienced blood donor and serves as a member of an off campus Masonic Lodge.
The group would like to remind people that just one blood donation could save three lives.