Dexter High School Students Team Up with American Red Cross

students are teaming up with the American Red Cross this summer to help save lives.

Every Monday throughout the summer, a blood drive will be held from 1-7 p.m. in the high school commons. Each week a different DHS student will organize, promote and help run the blood drive for a chance to win college scholarships as part of the “Making a Difference Educational Summer Scholarship Program.”

“Students who have signed up to host a blood drive are in charge of promoting the event, calling donors and soliciting donations,” said Diane Brandt, a registered nurse and blood drive coordinator.

Brandt said the goal for each drive is dependent on the student. The program requires students to collect 30-45 pints to qualify for a $500 scholarship; 46-100 pints for a $750 scholarship, 101-150 pints for a $1,000 scholarship and 151-200 pints for a $1,250 scholarship. There are also scholarships for students who collect more than 200 pints in the six-hour time slot.

Senior Eleni Lazarou organized Monday’s drive with a goal of 30 pints.

“I think it’s a great idea,” Lazarou said.

Lazarou said soliciting donations is no easy feat, and she plans to host a second blood drive on Aug. 29.

Brandt said blood is always in short supply in southeast Michigan.

“There’s a big need in the summer for donations because we get about one-third of our donations from high schools and colleges that are on break right now,” she said. “Generally with summer vacations, people tend to donate far less than other times of the year.”

Brandt said the Red Cross needs to collect 900 units of blood a day in order to provide adequate supply to local hospitals. Currently the Red Cross is in critical need for type O negative blood.

“Type O negative blood is in high demand because it can be transfused to patients with any blood type, especially in emergency situations,” said Diane Ward, CEO for the American Red Cross Blood Services Southeastern Michigan Region.

Brandt said anyone can donate blood, but in general male donors must be at least 5 feet tall and weigh 110 pounds and females must be 5 feet 6 inches tall. Donations can be made every 56 days.

For more information or to locate a blood drive, call 800-RED-CROSS (733-27677) or visit redcrossblood.org to find a blood drive and to make an appointment.