DAYTON, Ohio – The new year of Solvita high school blood drives got underway Sept. 6 at Northwestern High School in Springfield. It was the first stop of many on the 60’s throwback “All You Need is Love to Give Blood” 2024-2025 high school blood drive campaign.
This fall high school donors will receive t-shirts featuring 60’s era designs, including peace signs, smiley faces, and a colorful wave of good vibes. The spring t-shirt will feature a classic VW microbus with the “All You Need is Love to Give Blood” theme, borrowed from the 1967 Beatles tune.
In the 2023-2024 academic year 123 high schools partnered with Solvita to host 255 blood drives. Solvita registered 11,901 high school donors, collected 9,460 donations, and welcomed 4,935 first time donors.
From September to May, high school donors represented 18% of all Solvita blood donations, and 60% of all first time donors.
“Solvita, our hospitals and our community count on these young people to become the next generation of donors,” said Solvita Vice President for Donor Services Tracy Morgan. “Despite their young age, they play a vital role in helping maintain a safe and sufficient blood supply.”
Solvita Community Education Specialist Cris Pickle visits high schools to help students prepare for a successful donation and to make donating a learning experience about blood science and good citizenship.
“Students who begin donating in high school are three times more likely to become life-long donors,” Pickle said. “With each donation they make a positive impact on the lives of patients in need and perform a community service that shapes their character and builds confidence and self-esteem.”
To learn more about the Blood Donation Education Program contact Cris Pickle at (937) 572-3900 or cpickle@solvita.org.
Wayne High School and the Miami Valley Career Technology Center were the top high school blood drive schools of 2023-2024. They tied for most donors with 391 donor registrations apiece.
Kettering Fairmont High ranked third overall with 353 donors followed by Fairfield High with 348 donors and Centerville High with 239 donors.
Solvita recognizes dedicated high school donors with the Red Cord program. Seniors who have registered to donate three or more times during their high school years receive the Red Cord and are entered in drawings to win a $1,000 award.
There will be seven drawings for each part of Solvita’s 18-county service area with seven winners each receiving a $1,000 award.
Schedule an appointment to donate with Solvita (formerly Community Blood Center) on the Donor Time app, by calling (937) 461-3220, or at www.donortime.com.