Thank you for your interest in planning a blood drive at your school. High school blood donors play a critical role in supporting our community's blood supply. Why?

• People who begin donating in high school are more likely to keep on giving during their adult lives.

• High school students give over 1,100 units of blood each year.

Helping Others

There is no substitute for human blood. If someone is having surgery, in an accident, or going through cancer treatment, he or she may need blood transfusions to live. The only source for a lifesaving blood transfusion is a volunteer blood donor.

Helping Yourself

Donating blood and coordinating your school's blood drive are great exercises in leadership and volunteer service. They're also great activities to put on your college application or your resume.

Set a Date, Time and Place

Help us plan ahead -- schedule your school's blood drive dates as far in advance as possible. At the end of May, or during the first few days that teachers report to school in August, set the drive dates for the upcoming school year. Blood donors can give every 56 days (2 months).  Schedule 2 to 3 blood drives per year to support your community blood center. Please be sure to consider the following when scheduling your blood drive:

• availability of Community Blood Services staff -- call the Blood Center representative for dates.

• school hours.

• school activities that might conflict with a blood drive.

• holidays and teacher workshops.

• sports schedules and events.

• availability of the gym or parking area where the campaign will be held -- be sure to check with all appropriate faculty.

• plan for a 8-hour time period, including set up (1 hour), take down (1 hour), and six hours for the drive.