RHS hoping to set record with today’s blood drive
After setting records with their 2012 and 2013 blood drives, Russellville High School is hoping to surpass those totals and collect even more life-saving pints of blood at their 2014 blood drive taking place today, Jan. 29, on the RHS campus.
Organizers of the event, which is sponsored by the RHS National Honor Society, are calling today’s event the “Russellville 500” blood drive because that is the number of pints they hope to collect.
In 2012, the RHS blood drive had record-setting success, becoming the largest single-day American Red Cross high school blood drive in Alabama by collecting 304 units.
That total not only made the RHS drive the biggest single day high school drive in the region, but it also ranked as the fifth largest single day high school blood drive in the Southeast, and the 17th largest single day high school blood drive in the American Red Cross system (which includes 36 blood services regions across the country.)
In 2013, the drive grew even more, collecting 356 units to once again register as the largest single-day American Red Cross blood drive in Alabama.
After the past two years of success, sponsors set a goal to collect 500 pints of usable blood in 2014, but they will need many blood donors from across the area to make that happen.
January, which has traditionally been a difficult time for the blood supply, is “National Blood Donor Recognition Month,” and Red Cross representatives said there’s no better time to take up the habit of blood donation.
Because blood can be separated into three components – blood, platelets and plasma – one donation can benefit up to three individuals. Because it takes up to three days for blood to be processed and made available to hospitals, it is important that a donation be made ahead of an emergency situation.
Any and all donors who can give at today’s blood drive will be appreciated. For those who plan to donate, remember to bring a photo ID or an American Red Cross donor card.
The “Russellville 500” blood drive will take place today, Jan. 29, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the RHS gymnasium and RHS field house.
