SCHOOL BLOOD DRIVE PROGRAM SETS RECORDS DESPITE HARSH WINTER SEASON
NEWARK, DE - Students on Delmarva reached a new milestone this school year - and it's one for the record books.
Seventy-eight high schools and colleges across the Peninsula held more blood drives this past school year than ever before, resulting in a record number of blood donations. A total of 7,539 blood donations were collected at 125 school blood drives from September 2008 to May 2009 - up nearly 10% from 6,909 donations the previous school year.
The record-breaking School Blood Drive Program is even more noteworthy because of the weather challenges presented this past winter. Back-to-back major snowstorms forced Blood Bank of Delmarva to close donation locations for three days, and many school blood drives were cancelled. All of those blood drives were rescheduled and those donations were recovered thanks to the flexibility and dedication of local schools and students.
"Not only did the School Blood Drive Program have a record year for blood donations, but more than 4,500 were from first-time donors. That's outstanding! The rapid growth and success of this program show that teenagers and young adults do care about the community and want to help," said Bob Travis, President and CEO of Blood Bank of Delmarva. "Currently less than 7% of all Blood Bank members are under the age of 35. By giving first-time donors a good experience, the Blood Bank hopes to reverse this trend."
School blood drives consistently contribute 8% of all the blood donated on Delmarva. The program started in 1984 with just 140 donations at two schools. Today the program is essential for attracting students to become lifelong blood donors.
Students, their families and friends can continue to give blood and get credit for their schools in the blood drive competition this summer by giving blood and filling out a HERO card at any Blood Bank location through August 31, 2010.
