WHS blood drive sets state record for high schools

By Heather Peterson
Special to The Mountain Times

The American Red Cross and Watauga High School (WHS) recently came together to host a record-setting

blood drive.

The March 16 drive was sponsored by Watauga High’s Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) club.
A total of 391 pints of blood was collected.

Despite just missing a goal of 400, the drive welcomed 221 first-time donors and 84 donors aged 16.

The date of the blood drive was changed in a matter of days to replace a former date due to weather issues that altered the county schedule of teacher workdays.

Despite the challenges facing the HOSA club due to this change, the largest high school blood drive in North Carolina in 25 years was the end result, with club members, faculty and staff all working hard to promote the new date and recruit life-saving donors in such huge numbers.

Lu Johnson, senior donor recruitment representative with the American Red Cross Carolinas Blood Services Region, remarked how she continues to be impressed by the efforts of WHS students and organizers.

“Only the Pioneers’ HOSA Club and their leaders with such dedication could have successfully recruited this strong number of donors,” Johnson said. “I remain amazed and proud to be involved with this fun and go-getting group of students. They represent the type of future medical professionals we hope to have serving in our country.”

The American Red Cross and Watauga’s HOSA club advisor Regina Alford worked together to create a fun atmosphere for students and teachers alike.

A walkabout Red Cross Buddy Blood Drop mascot was in attendance to entertain and encourage donors.

Each person who presented to donate received a Red Cross “Blood Tour” T-shirt and the chance to enter a drawing for a pair of round-trip Delta Air Lines domestic tickets.

The success of the drive has impressed many, including one of the 391 donors, WHS principal Mike Wyant.
Principal since the fall of 2008, Wyant has donated at all three of the blood drives sponsored by the school since his arrival.

Wyant said, “The HOSA club not only set a state record with their earlier-than-anticipated blood drive, but gave life and support to those in need, and that is what is really important and brings such a great deal of pride to all of us here at the school.”

Sonny Sweet, executive director of the Watauga County Chapter of the American Red Cross, also praised those involved.

“Kudos to Regina Alford and the HOSA class. Never underestimate the power of the mountain spirit when it comes to community service,” he said.

The Carolinas Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross provides life-saving blood to more than 103 hospitals and must have 1,600 people give blood and platelets each weekday to meet hospital demand.

Blood can be safely donated every 56 days.

Platelets can be given safely every two weeks, up to 24 times a year.

Most healthy people age 17 and older, or 16 with parental consent, who weigh at least 110 pounds, are eligible to donate blood and platelets.

For more information or to schedule an appointment to donate, call 1-800-GIVE LIFE (448-3543) or visit redcrossblood.org.