Pictured at the Xi Zeta Delta meeting are hostess, Karen Saggus, with speakers, Vanessa Childs and Emily Sturkie, and hostess, Brooke Dawson. The Xi Zeta Delta chapter, Beta Sigma Phi, held its monthly meeting at the home of Brooke Dawson on Monday, March 8. Karen Saggus was a hostess with Mrs. Dawson.

The program was presented by Vanessa Childs, special donations and Emily Sturkie, mobile recruiter, from Shepeard Community Blood Center. They explained how they help civic groups meet their goals as well as raise awareness of the importance of giving blood in our community.

According to Shepeard’s Top 10 Reasons to Donate, donating blood just 3 times a year may lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of a heart attack by 50%. All blood that is collected by Shepeard is given to 17 local hospitals and the Joseph B. Still Burn Center in Augusta. These hospitals only contract with Shepeard and depend on them for their blood supply. All blood that is donated is processed and tested before it is put on the shelf to be used. It is also tracked through many checks and balances through the transfusion and afterward. Shepeard Community Blood Center also gives back to local communities, for example, by providing scholarships to high school health occupation programs. These scholarships are used for students to participate in State and National competitive events to demonstrate the skills and knowledge obtained in the health care science classroom.

If you are looking to do something for your community and keep it local please visit visit www.shepeardblood. org or call 706-737-4551 to find a place to donate your blood.