KINGS POINT, N.Y., Sept. 5, 2018 - The United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) at Kings Point held its first blood drive of the 2018-2019 Academic Year, on August 28.  USMMA, in partnership with Long Island Blood Services, hosts three blood drives each year.

Over the course of the day, faculty, staff and Midshipmen donated 307 units of blood. That’s the second largest number of donations ever collected in one day at USMMA since they began hosting the L.I. Blood Services more than 15 years ago.

“Through the generosity and dedication of our Midshipmen and USMMA employees, we will be able to help save 921 lives,” said Rick Sager, Administrator for Health Services. He thanked all who participated, including faculty, staff, and Midshipmen. “I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation for the outstanding efforts of the Midshipmen Health and Emergency Services staff, especially our Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Officers, as well as the offices of the Superintendent and the Commandant for the outstanding support for this effort.”

Sager specifically thanked Midshipmen Wiegner, Christmas, Schumacher, Kettenbeil and all the EMS Petty Officers for their support of the Blood Drive.