UPDATED - William Penn Students Attempt Largest High School Blood Drive - February 25
UPDATE:
Due to the predicted inclement weather, the William Penn High School blood drive has been CANCELLED. It will be rescheduled for later this school year.
New Castle, DE - On Thursday, February 25, students and staff from William Penn High School in New Castle hope to break yet another record - by holding the largest one-day high school blood drive on the Delmarva Peninsula for the fourth year in a row.
In the 2008-2009 school year, William Penn had 201 blood donors in one day - more than any of the other 67 high schools in Blood Bank of Delmarva's School Blood Drive Program.
"As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of our School Blood Drive Program, we need to recognize and thank William Penn for their level of support - even from the beginning," said Carrie Aiken, spokesperson for Blood Bank of Delmarva. "They have always been at the top or in the top two for the most student donors and, as a result, thousands of patients have benefitted."
William Penn staff and students also submitted the most HERO cards in the 2008-2009 school year. HERO cards can be filled out after a blood donation at any Blood Bank of Delmarva donation site and credit is given to the school.
Thanks to schools across the Peninsula, a total of 6,909 donations were collected at 119 school blood drives from September 2008 to May 2009 - up more than 3.5% from the previous school year. By providing a positive, first-time experience giving blood, the Blood Bank hopes to establish a relationship with young donors that will last a lifetime. Currently less than 7% of all Blood Bank members are under the age of 35.
The School Blood Drive Program provides 8% of the blood supply on Delmarva. The program started in 1984 with just 140 donations at two schools.
BLOOD DRIVE FACTS:
WHEN: Thursday, February 25 - 7:30am - 3pm (Media interviews from 10am - 11:30am)
WHERE: William Penn High School (Gymnasium) - 713 East Basin Road - New Castle, DE 19720
