Students and community members came together March 5 to support the region’s blood supply during the Britton-Hecla High School Blood Drive.
The drive was organized by Britton-Hecla High School teacher Christian Bosse and her Biology II class. A total of 38 individuals registered to donate, with 37 successful donors contributing 37 units of blood. According to LifeServe Blood Center, those donations have the potential to help save the lives of up to 111 patients in area hospitals served by the organization.
Sixteen of the donors were giving blood for the first time, highlighting the role high school blood drives can play in introducing younger donors to the process. First-time donors included Aiden Strong, Baylee Bender, Briana Buer, Cassidy Williams, Chellon Robinson, Christy Hubble, Gabrielle Amacher, James Isabel, Johnny Hubble, Kalissa Stelzer, Madelynn Micko, Noah Schuster, Paityn Ericson, Ryer Larson, Stacy Bennett and Treyton Biel.
“High school blood drives are incredibly important not only for helping meet the immediate needs of patients but also for the long-term stability of our blood supply,” said Abbie Arneson, territory representative with LifeServe Blood Center. “Currently, donors ages 45 to 64 account for approximately 42 percent of all blood donations. Introducing students to blood donation at a young age helps ensure we are building the next generation of donors who will continue supporting patients for years to come.”
The next community blood drive in Britton is scheduled for April 9 from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Britton Events Center. Appointments can be scheduled by visiting www.lifeservebloodcenter.org or calling 800-287-4903.
