Dwayne Ansley, Director of Operation Services and volunteer for the American Red Cross

Jackson EMC has participated in American Red Cross (ARC) programs since as far back as 1965.  This year was no exception when Jefferson District and corporate employees rolled up their sleeves for a blood drive.  

Annually, ARC volunteers arrive at the Jefferson District office for the county drive, as members of the community and employees, are invited to donate. 

There was no shortage of employee participation and several mentioned they’d grown up knowing the importance of the ARC’s services.  Many of the employees had family members who were aided by ARC.

Dwayne Ansley, director of operation services, has participated in the district’s blood drive for 25 years.   “When I was 21, I was involved in an automobile accident and had to be given a unit of blood.  After that, I started giving with the idea of repaying that unit.  It’s an easy way to do something for others,” says Ansley.  “The Red Cross makes it convenient with its regularly scheduled drives and Jackson EMC’s support makes it an easy thing to do.”

Barbara Gooch, contact center representative, has given blood nearly four decades and has almost reached the 10 gallon mark.  “At a very early age, I learned how important giving to the ARC was and all the many ways they help many people.  We’ve had family members who’ve needed blood and more recently my preemie grandson had a blood transfusion to survive.  One pint helps three people, it’s that simple and that’s why I support the ARC, Gooch said.”

District and corporate employees who recently participated include Dwayne Ansley, director of operation services; Kim Chapman, purchasing specialist; Joe Dorough, director of system engineering; Barbara Gooch; Lynn Greene, electronics apparatus clerk; Christy Queen, marketing resource specialist; Paul Roach, engineering technician; Tim Sweat, director of job training safety; and Eddie Williams, senior apparatus technician.