Blood cannot be stockpiled or manufactured, that’s why it’s crucial to become a donor
By Mary Malik
Every two seconds someone, somewhere in this country needs blood. It’s a sobering statistic, but one that underscores the continuous need for donors to support the demand.
“There are no substitutes for human blood,” Jim McIntyre, American Red Cross regional communications director says. “Blood cannot be manufactured or stockpiled for future use. There’s a shelf life for blood products, so the supply must continuously be replenished to respond to the constant demand for everything from car accidents and other traumas to certain childbirths, sickle cell anemia transfusions, surgeries and more. The need never ends.”
The American Red Cross Future Blood Donor Drive program encourages students to get involved in a local blood donor recruitment community service project that will help save lives. The Mentor Schools Back to School Blood Drive, taking place at the Mentor High School Paradigm Building on Friday, August 30, 2024, is one of those programs. The Back to School Blood Drive is a competition between Mentor elementary and middle schools to see who can recruit the most blood donors.
“The kids are encouraged to ask parents, relatives and eligible friends and neighbors to donate blood on August 30,” Mentor Assistant Superintendent Tim Hamman says. “A trophy is awarded to the school with the highest blood total given that day. All elementary and middle schools in Mentor have been invited to participate in the event. It’s a great way to get the kids involved even though they aren’t old enough to donate themselves. They will be someday, and one goal is to make blood donation a future priority for them.”
Along with bragging rights and a trophy to be proudly displayed, the winning school will receive money toward the purchase of supplies, equipment or other items of the school’s choice if more than 30 pints of blood are collected on event day.
And the Red Cross hasn’t forgotten about the donors. Every donor at the Mentor Schools Back to School Blood Drive, or those donating blood anywhere between August 1 to August 31, 2024, will receive a $20 Amazon gift card by mail after their donation is made.
“And each student that recruits a donor for the school drive receives a Red Cross appreciation item,” Tim says. “The event takes place the first week the kids are back in school, and the hallways will be filled with reminders for parents and students. Giving back is a great way to kick off the school year.”
Through its Future Blood Donor Drive program, the American Red Cross is reaching out to young people, creating awareness of the great need for blood donation and recruiting future donors.
“Last month there were 20,000 fewer blood donations than needed to fill the demand,” Jim says. “The summer months typically see a dip with people traveling and things like natural disasters preventing regulars from donating. The irony is that these same natural disasters, more drivers on the roads and summer-related accidents, increase the need for blood.”
Only three out of 100 Americans donate blood. Programs like Mentor’s Back to School Blood Drive are changing that statistic.
Mentor Blood Drive
What: Mentor Schools Back to School Blood Drive
Where: The Mentor High School Paradigm Building, 6451 Center Street, Mentor, Ohio
When: Friday, August 30, 2024, from Noon to 5 p.m.
Donors may schedule appointments online to donate blood at RedCrossBlood.org using sponsor code MentorPublicSchools or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.
Snacks and juice will be provided at the donation site.
For more information visit MentorSchools.net, RedCross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.