Blood Donations in High Schools are On the Rise.

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 5, 1999--

Central High, George School and North Penn High School Received Top

Honors At the Red Cross Penn-Jersey "All High School Conference"

Hosted by Y100 Today

Shawnee High School junior Melissa McDonnell is proud of her participation in the school blood drive, a feeling she shares with others.

At a time when the need for blood nationwide may be growing faster than the number of blood donations, participation in area high school blood drives is on the rise.

Nearly 250 high schools participate in the Red Cross blood program in southeastern Pennsylvania, south and central New Jersey. Last year students donated almost 22,000 pints of blood, which adds up to an eight percent increase over the previous year, and represents nine percent of the area's available blood supply. On some days during the school year, students contribute almost 50 percent of the supply.

"It makes you feel good seeing so many students at my school giving blood and knowing we will help many people because of our efforts," said McDonnell. As a member of the Red Cross Penn-Jersey Region Board of Directors, the Medford, New Jersey student is learning first-hand just how important a school blood drive can be.

Charlene Rose, Red Cross director of Hospital Services for the Penn-Jersey Region, said Red Cross has experienced an 11 percent increase in demand for blood across the country in the past two years, while donations during that same time increased by only eight percent. The Red Cross provides close to half of the nation's blood supply.

"As the population ages and we lose our most dedicated repeat donors, these young donors are very important to us," Rose said. "The students who worked so hard to make their blood drives successful can be very proud of themselves."

Marian Schenke, a teacher at Shawnee High School in Medford, and an advisor to the Red Cross agrees. "Reaching potential teenage donors is essential for the future of the blood supply in this country. As a group, they are a willing resource and must be taken seriously --- no condescending allowed! Their commitment is sincere, though for some first-time donors, the process is a scary one.

"In the school where I teach, giving blood is the thing to do, yet our students are not unique; multiply their numbers by thousands of other willing young people! If we can foster that willingness to help others and develop a habit, then we will know without a doubt that our future blood supply is assured," she said.

The American Red Cross honored student blood drive sponsors at the Second Annual All High School Conference held at the Red Cross Blood Services regional headquarters in Philadelphia. Three high schools won top honors for their efforts during the 1998-1999 school year.

With 538 donations to their credit, North Penn High School in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, was honored for contributing the highest total number of blood donations. Central High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania had the highest percentage increase in donations over the previous year; donations rose from 92 to 251 donations, for a 172 percent increase.

George School in Newtown, Pennsylvania had the highest percentage of participation in their blood drives for the second consecutive year.

Y100's Matt Cord hosted the event. Also participating were members of the Martin Luther King High School Jazz Band, and the Pennsville High School Eagle Marching Band and Cheerleaders. McDonalds, Keebler and the Philadelphia 76ers helped sponsor the event.

The Penn-Jersey Region of American Red Cross Blood Services provides lifesaving blood products, medical consultation and laboratory services around the clock to approximately 100 hospitals in southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Red Cross Blood Services is made possible by the generous participation of healthy volunteer blood donors, and by business and community organizations that sponsor bloodmobiles. For information about donating blood or sponsoring a bloodmobile, call the American Red Cross at 800/GIVE LIFE or visit www.pleasegiveblood.org.