By Cathy Spaulding
OKTAHA — High school senior Savannah Leggett relaxed as well as she could as blood was being drawn from her right arm.
However, she saw a reason to donate her blood when the American Red Cross visited Oktaha High School.
“I’m doing it to help others,” she said as she waited at a refreshment table after giving blood. “It was kind of nerve-wracking at first, but it doesn’t really hurt.”
Oktaha is one of several area high schools participating in the 2009-2010 Blood Drive Challenge, an effort from the American Red Cross to get more young people to give blood. Other area schools participating in the High School Blood Drive Challenge throughout this school year are Muskogee, Warner, Fort Gibson, Midway, Haskell and Porter.
“Blood donations from students are beyond important to the Red Cross and the community's blood supply. It's when schools are out that in Oklahoma and across the country, blood supplies suffer,” said Steve Nagle, CEO Southwest Region. “The High School Blood Drive Challenge has proven to be a very successful program for patients needing blood, for students to learn the importance of donating blood and to give schools another way to teach civic responsibility and leadership.”
The Blood Drive Challenge offers scholarships starting at $1,000 for the school collecting the most blood during the campaign, $750 to the second highest school and $500 to the third highest. The awards are given to the top schools in each class, from 1A to 6A.
The Oklahoma Blood Institute also conducts blood drives at high schools and colleges. Todd Abner, vice president of donor recruitment for the Oklahoma Blood Institute said 15 percent of the OBI’s supply comes from high school and college drives.
Oktaha High School counselor Kathy Barnett said the drive, held Nov. 6, drew 21 donors, including 12 students.
“It’s important to have extra blood in the community to help other people,” she said. “And its a way for students to give back.”
Ronica Tabor, donor recruitment supervisor for the American Red Cross, said the Red Cross had three blood drives at Muskogee High School last year.
“In the latest drive, they collected the most blood than ever in the past,” she said. “We’re hoping for another good blood drive in January.”
Tabor said the Red Cross is seeking young donors because young donors grow to be older donors.
Fort Gibson High School librarian Kenie Tyrell, the National Honor Society adviser, said school blood drive gives students the opportunity to become lifetime donors.
“We do need repeat donors to lead the way, but first-time donors also are important,” she said.
Reach Cathy Spaulding at 684-2928.
