Blood Drive at St. Mark's High School on April 15 Marks 25th Anniversary of High School Blood Drive Program
Recognition ceremony to honor St. Mark's for hosting region's first high school blood drive in 1985
Newark, DE - Throughout the past 25 years of Blood Bank of Delmarva's High School Blood Drive Program, the numbers are staggering: there have been 75,282 blood donations made at local high schools. Up to 225,846 lives have been saved, since a blood donation can be used for as many as three patients. And more than 5,500 blood donations are expected to be made at Delmarva high schools this school year.
The high school tradition of saving lives got its start at St. Mark's High School in the spring of 1985. St. Mark's hosted the region's first high school blood drive and had 73 blood donors.
A quarter-century later, St. Mark's continues to be one of the biggest supporters of the program. Their blood drive scheduled for Thursday, April 15 from 8am to 2pm will officially mark the 25th anniversary of the High School Blood Drive Program.
Barbara Niedbalski, former St. Mark's school advisor, and two of the student leaders who helped coordinate the first high school blood drive in 1985 will join Blood Bank staff, current St. Mark's staff and student donors for a recognition ceremony at the April 15 drive at St. Mark's from 11am to 12pm to celebrate and share stories.
"Until the debut of the High School Program, blood drives had typically been looked upon as an activity for adults to host," said Niedbalski. "In 1985 though, it was the students who stepped up to the plate, and they proved they could do it. Parents seemed to be in awe of the fact that their children were able to do this. They were so proud."
Robert Travis, President and CEO of Blood Bank of Delmarva, credits the program's success today on those who supported it in the early years. "It is because of them that high school students have come to know what it means to be someone's hero by giving blood," said Travis.
The High School Blood Drive Program has grown significantly since its inception. Last year, there were 67 high schools that held blood drives. Thousands of students signed up to give blood.
"The importance and impact of the School Blood Drive Program in our area is tremendous. Blood collected at local high schools and colleges accounts for 8% of the total supply each year on Delmarva," said Carrie Aiken, Blood Bank spokesperson. "Many of the student donors are giving blood for the first time, and it is a great opportunity for us to give them an excellent first-time donation experience and hopefully inspire them to be blood donors for life."
JUST THE FACTS:
WHAT: St. Mark's High School blood drive - Officially marks the 25th Anniversary of the High School Blood Drive Program
WHEN: Thursday, April 15 - Blood drive is from 8am to 2pm - Recognition Ceremony is from 11am to 12pm
WHERE: St. Mark's High School (2501 Pike Creek Road, Wilmington, DE 19808) - Blood drive and recognition ceremony are being held in the gymnasium
WHO: Barbara Niedbalski, former St. Mark's school advisor, and a couple of her students who helped coordinate the first high school blood drive will join Blood Bank staff, current St. Mark's staff and student donors to celebrate and share stories.
