Empowering Young Change-Makers: Why Hosting a Blood Drive Matters

Story told by: Kathy Stewart, Red Cross Volunteer

An impactful way for students to give back is by hosting a blood drive. This initiative saves lives while fostering leadership skills which can lead to scholarships for students making a difference.

Deric Brown, a Senior at Hartsville High School in Hartsville, SC overcame his initial trepidation to run a blood drive, having had no prior experience with the process.

“I had donated blood one time. I was skeptical because of the needles and stuff.”

Then last summer, Ms. Zemp, a teacher, texted Deric about running a blood drive. Deric said, “At first, I didn’t really know what a blood drive was. But I said, ‘I’m going to do it,’ adding, “I’m glad I did it.”

Deric was awarded the Sickle Cell Fighter High School Scholarship at the beginning of the school year. “Once I realized it was $5,000 of scholarship money I could use, I was like, ‘Goodness!’ My mom and dad were really excited.”

The Need for Blood Donations

Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood -- for surgery, trauma, or managing chronic illnesses. Supply often falls short of demand; hosting a blood drive ensures that hospitals have resources for patient care. 

Learning and Leadership Opportunities

Students who host a blood drive develop essential skills: project management, teamwork, and communication. Deric says, “It’s a great experience. Not only are you helping yourself, you’re helping a lot of people that you probably don’t know. I hope a lot more people do it. Seize the opportunity!”

Building Community Spirit

Serving as a community engagement catalyst, blood drives bring people together for a common cause. Uncovering stories of individuals whose lives have been saved by blood donations helps to inspire others.

Encouraging peers to get involved not only boosts participation, but also strengthens school spirit as everyone rallies around the cause. Deric found this to be true with his football teammates, telling them, “You’re probably helping people who can’t do what you’re doing so you’re helping them 10 times more.”

The Sickle Cell Fighter High School Scholarship

The top ten high schools to host blood drives are eligible to receive a $5,000 scholarship, an incentive and game-changer for students pursuing higher education.

This proved true for Deric, the only S.C. scholarship recipient. “It makes me feel like I’m doing something good to help others. I hope that others in the future will, too.”

Taking the First Steps

Inspired to host a blood drive at your school?  Here’s how to get started:

1. Contact Local Blood Donation Organizations: The American Red Cross offers resources, guidelines, and support.
2. Form a Team: Gather friends and classmates to organize the event. Deric encouraged his peers: “You don’t understand how many people you could probably be saving by giving a little bit of blood. You might not think it’s much but it’s a lot.”
3. Set a Date and Location: Choose a convenient time/accessible location within your school (the gym or cafeteria).
4. Promote the Drive: Use social media, school announcements, and flyers to promote for the importance of blood donation.
5. Celebrate Donors: Offer snacks, T-shirts, or a raffle as incentives.

Hosting a blood drive gives you an opportunity to make a difference. Deric notes, “You meet new people and find out things about them that you don’t know. It’s a good environment.” You can help those in need while fostering community engagement. Saving lives and forging connections make it worthwhile. Plus, you might realize your educational dreams with the Sickle Cell Fighter High School Scholarship!