Missouri State University-West Plains has received an award of appreciation from the American Red Cross Southern Missouri district.

The award is for the university’s participation in the organization’s blood program for the past five years.

Since 2015, blood drives hosted by student organizations on campus have resulted in the collection of 260 units of blood. These units could have helped save more than 780 lives.

The Student Nurses Association at the university is hosting another American Red Cross blood drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 2. It will take place in rooms 104 and 105 of the Lybyer Technology Center. The drive is open to the community.

Learn more about the guidelines for giving blood at redcrossblood.org. For more information about the March 2 event, contact Kirsten Cotter at KirstenMcGaughey@MissouriState.edu.