The American Red Cross Texas Blood Region would like to thank Lampasas High School for participating in the 2009 Fall High School Challenge Program, a program where high school students and officials hold ongoing blood drives throughout the semester. The high schools that collected the most units during the fall semester are awarded scholarship funds.

Over 60 Texas high schools participated in the program and won a total of $13,500 in scholarship funds. Lampasas High School won $500 for holding two blood drives and collecting 122 units of blood.

The Red Cross appreciates the support from many of our high schools, and we would like to continue developing partnerships through this program.

As one of the country’s largest blood suppliers, the American Red Cross is committed to educating students about the ongoing need for blood donations. We are proud once again to offer the Texas High School Challenge to high schools this spring semester. The goal of this program is to promote awareness, education, volunteerism and leadership through hosting blood drives at high schools. The growth of this program has been so positive that we are encouraging schools to plan ahead now for next fall and spring.

When students donate blood, they help guarantee that blood will be available to patients in need of lifesaving blood products to regain their health. Only continued donations by local residents can ensure that blood will always be there for accident victims, surgery patients, and for children and teenagers battling cancer.

To help ensure donor safety, donors must be at least 17 years old and weigh 110 pounds or more. Each donor receives a mini-health check that includes blood pressure, temperature and iron tests, and a medical history screening conducted by trained Red Cross personnel.
Krystin Dunahoo
American Red Cross representative