MCS Set To Host March Blood Drive

Blood Drive March 22nd

Did you know that one in seven patients entering a hospital will need a blood transfusion during their time there? Did you know that only 3% of eligible donors give blood? You can help improve both statistics by participating in our next American Red Cross Blood Drive at Madison Central School!

The drive, administered in partnership with the MCS chapter of the National Honor Society, will take place on Wednesday, March 22nd. The drive begins at 9 a.m., and runs until 2 p.m.

The National Honor Society drive aims to raise 20 units of blood through a goal of 28 appointments. As of February 28th, 3 appointments are currently on the books. All blood types are needed.

Incentives will be offered for registered participants. All donors who give blood, platelets, or plasma at a drive in March through the Red Cross will receive a ten dollar Visa Gift Card to their email address on file following the drive. In addition, you’ll be entered into a national drawing to win one of five $3,000 cards.

Please consider a Power Red donation if you have the following blood types: O Negative, O Positive, A Negative, or B Negative. During a Power Red donation, a donor gives a concentrated dose of red cells, the part of the blood used every day for those needing transfusions as part of their care. This type of donation uses an automated process that separates red blood cells from the other blood components, then safely and comfortably returns plasma and platelets to the donor. More info is available at www.redcrossblood.org/powerred. New as of October 2022 is a revised height eligibility requirement for women who wish to do a Power Red donation. The minimum height has changed from 5’5 to 5’3.

To register, go to https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=madisoncs and get started! Attendees can also save time using the Red Cross RapidPass service. Visit redcrossblood.org/rapidpass on the day of the drive to complete your pre-screening process at home.

Students must be 16 or older to donate, and parental consent must be obtained for any 16 year old donors. See Mr. Burdick for a permission slip if that statement fits your situation, or click here to download one.

NHS Advisor Mr. Joe Burdick is the direct contact for questions, and can be reached at jburdick@madisoncentralny.org.