Back to school, back to blood drives

Snacks and juice aren't the only reward awaiting high school blood donors this school year. Through the American Red Cross Young Minds Change Lives Educational Scholarship Program, participating high schools can earn scholarship money for post-secondary education.

The Red Cross awards scholarships based on the number of blood donations at high school blood drives throughout the school year. School representatives then determine how to award the scholarship(s).

Many high school drives are also open to the public throughout the school year. Consider donating at your area high school blood drive and not only help save lives, but create a scholarship fund for students! Check out the students section of the Red Cross website, too.

Plan Now. Work Together. Be Ready.

An emergency can strike with little to no warning. Are you and your family prepared?

September is National Preparedness Month, and the Red Cross encourages you to prepare for emergencies by getting a kit, making a plan and being informed. Check out videos on how to prepare at ready.gov.

Donating blood is one way to help prepare your community for an emergency because it can take up to three days for donated blood to be tested and processed, and made available for patients. In the event of an emergency, having a stable blood supply on hand for patients in need is essential.

Get more information on how to donate, the ways the Red Cross can help you prepare for emergencies, or to sign up for a Red Cross course.

Blood donation countdown application now available

A new Facebook application, available through the American Red Cross Blood Donors Facebook page, can help you track your blood donations, remind you when you're eligible and encourage your friends to give blood.

Click here to start using the new Give Blood Coutdown application. Users can self-report blood donations, receive reminders of appointments and upcoming eligibility, and can send words of encouragement to friends who are using the application!

Not a Facebook user? Create your profile today and encourage your family and friends to become fans of Red Cross Blood Services.

Giving blood – So simple, so vital!

Dr. Jeanne Prickett, Superintendent, Iowa School for the Deaf (ISD)

"Before I came to the Iowa School for the Deaf, I had never donated blood. Needles make me cringe! ISD students came to me and asked me to give blood. I didn't like doing it much, but I gave several units over the next six years. Still, I found reasons to 'get out of it.'

"But, in May 2009, that abruptly changed for me. My stepdaughter was hospitalized with a blood disorder and received approximately 15 units of platelets and six units of red blood cells. Strangers donated all of those blood units!

"When ISD's next blood drive came, I had no excuses! Strangers helped my stepdaughter, and it was my turn to give back some of what they had done for Rosalyn. Now, I am giving blood for everyone like Rosalyn who needs this vital help. If I can do it, coward that I am, so can you!"