KETTERING, Ohio - Fairmont High School donors rallied for the biggest high school blood drive of the fall, registering 167 donors, and completing the eighth annual “Unity in Community” challenge with rival Alter High.
Fairmont’s 167 donors and 135 donations at the Oct. 20 blood drive in Trent Arena was an increase of four donors over the school’s March 2022 blood drive, which was Community Blood Center’s second largest high school blood drive during the pandemic.
“We were a little nervous this year,” said Student Activities Coordinator Corey Miller, “because last week our ‘Spirit Chain’ with Centerville High ended, and that’s one of our craziest weeks. We were a little concerned, but Erica (Assistant Activities Coordinator Erica Rogers) did a great job helping with recruiting and it went really well.”
Seniors in the Allied Health program again served as blood drive volunteers. “We’re a career tech program where you get a hands-on learning experience in the medical field,” said volunteer Riley Hodgson. “The blood drive is hand on!” said volunteer Kiley Pigg.
Alter and Fairmont partner with CBC and Universal 1 Credit Union on the Unity campaign. The schools will jointly present a $1,000 award sponsored by Universal 1 to a designated charity at halftime of their Dec. 13 basketball game.
The schools alternate choosing the Unity award recipient. Last year Fairmont chose the Batten Disease Support and Research Association. Alter will choose this year’s charity.
Alter’s Oct. 13 Unity blood drive topped 100% of collection goal with 38 donors, 30 donations, and 15 first-time donors. The schools combined for 205 donors, a 25% increase over last year, and 100 first time donors, a 26% increase.
“It’s awesome to see so many people coming out to donate blood,” said CURE Club President Madeline Maffett. “My mom donates regularly; I grew up watching her do that. Now I donate and get to coordinate the blood drive. I know the impact it has on people.”
“It’s nice to involve everybody and have unity for both schools,” said blood drive coordinator and school nurse Jeanne Kernan.
Fairmont sophomore Lacey Helfinstine turned 16 a week before the blood drive, making her eligible to make her first lifetime donation.
“My mom received blood when she was giving birth to my sister, and she needed a lot of blood,” said Lacey. Her sister is now 19.
“I like to help people,” said Fairmont senior Alanna Fenner, who qualified for the CBC Red Cord Honor program by making her third lifetime donation. “It only takes about 10 minutes, and I don’t really mind the needle.”
Blood donation requirements: Donors are required to provide a photo ID that includes their full name. Past CBC donors are also asked to bring their CBC donor ID card. Donors must be at least 17 years of age (16 years old with parental consent: form available at www.givingblood.org or at the Dayton CBC and mobile blood drive locations), weigh a minimum of 110 pounds (you may have to weigh more depending on your height), and be in good physical health. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) changes blood donor eligibility guidelines periodically. Individuals with eligibility questions can email canidonate@cbccts.org or call (937) 461-3220. Make an appointment at www.DonorTime.com.
Community Blood Center/Community Tissue Services® is an independent, not-for-profit organization. Community Blood Center provides blood products to partner hospitals and health centers within its 15-county service area of western Ohio and eastern Indiana and to select hospitals and blood centers outside the region. For more information visit www.givingblood.org.
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