Miss Massachusetts, Jillian Zucco, will host a community blood drive with the American Red Cross on World Blood Donor Day, Thursday, June 14from 1:00 to 6:00 pm at St. Anthony’s Church hall at 22 Barstow Street in Mattapoisett.
As a 2016 graduate of UMass Dartmouth’s Nursing program, now working full-time as a registered nurse, Ms. Zucco is committed to strengthening our community and helping to meet hospital and patient needs through blood donations. “This blood drive is a way of providing community members an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. The short amount of time it takes to donate can mean a lifetime to a patient in critical need.”
Blood is a perishable product that can only come from volunteer blood donors. With someone in the U.S. needing blood every two seconds, blood products must be constantly replenished, according to the Red Cross.
“We urge eligible donors to join us in the selfless act of giving blood. There’s no better feeling than knowing that your blood donation may give someone a second chance at life.”
There’s a serious need of all blood types, especially O negative, A negative and B negative. O negative is the universal blood type that can be safely transfused to anyone and is often used to treat trauma patients and those battling cancer.
While walk-ins are welcome, it is recommended to schedule an appointment by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (733-2767) or by signing up online at redcrossblood.org and use the code MA02739.
As a state titleholder in the Miss America system, Ms. Zucco’s personal platform is entitled, “Choose A Cause, Make A Difference” – a charge to others to share their time, skills and talents for the betterment of others. She has been living by her core values of giving back to her community since she was very young, averaging over 750 hours annually, volunteering and coordinating community events that raise funds and public awareness for worthy causes throughout the Commonwealth.