American Red Cross announces need for donors

STEUBENVILLE -- Students and community members rolled up their sleeves for a good cause at Steubenville High School as the first of three blood drives was held on Sept. 7.

Twenty-three units of blood were collected at the conclusion of the event, which was sponsored by the Nike Club and held in conjunction with the American Red Cross. Club Adviser Katrina Morrow said school members and area residents registered or walked.

"We had a good mixture of student and community donors, which is always good," she said. "The students interacted with the adults that were donating and talked to them about why they donate and their lives.

It's always fun to see that interaction between the school and community."

Nike Club members helped register donors and manned the canteen while Red Cross medical personnel handled the blood collection.

Morrow said two double red donors gave two units of blood and received platelets to replenish fluids their body lost in the process.

She said collections have averaged between 25 and 30 units in the past but she was pleased with the turnout.

The blood supply has dwindled since COVID and is greatly needed in light of recent hurricanes, wildfires, floods and other natural disasters.

Morrow said all types of blood are needed and can be used throughout the country.

Donors can track where their contribution went using information provided by the Red Cross.

Those who participated said it was imperative to give and help those in need.

SHS senior Serenity Casco had double duties as a Nike volunteer and donor.

"I wanted to do it for fun," she said of donating, "but it's a bonus to help people."

Unionport resident Pam Egy had a significant purpose to support the cause.

"I'm close to a gallon," she said of her frequent contribution. "We lost a grandchild to cancer 20 years ago and we realized how important it is to donate, and we've been donating ever since."

She added that she and her husband donate multiple times each year and travel as far as Cadiz and Southern Local High School in Salineville for events.

Joel Banks of Steubenville is another lifesaver and said he has given blood several times a year for the past decade as part of his workplace's wellness program.

"Whenever it comes up, I do it because it's right," Banks said.

Meanwhile, two more campaigns are set for Nov. 8 and Feb. 13.

Organizers say these efforts not only help others, but they support the students through American Red Cross scholarships.

The amount is determined by the number of units collected, and events which yield 30 units may receive $250 scholarships while those that gather 71 units could earn $500.

"By adding a third blood drive this school year, we are hoping to get enough donations that the Red Cross will award a second scholarship to a graduating senior who has a stellar donation record," Morrow said.