CLARKS SUMMIT — Abington Heights High School student Bridget Jubon is hosting a Leaders Save Lives blood drive from noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 29 at The Gathering Place, 304 S. State St., to help the American Red Cross ensure a sufficient blood supply this winter.
The Leaders Save Lives program encourages community-minded high school and college students to host blood drives to help maintain the blood supply over the winter. Seasonal illnesses and harsh winter weather can often lead to a decline in the number of blood donors who come out to give. Students who participate as a blood drive coordinator can earn a gift card and are eligible to win a scholarship up to $2,500 for higher education.
Appointments may be made by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 570-335-8267.
All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, from a computer or mobile device. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.
