The National Honor Society of Russellville High School will be holding a Red Cross blood drive in the RHS gymnasium on Wednesday, February 15. The blood drive will start at 8:00 A.M. and run until 2:00 P.M.
As part of their community service requirements, members and candidates of the National Honor Society are required to sign up at least four individuals to donate blood.
“Currently there are 53 senior members and 100 candidates up for membership,” said RHS teacher and National Honor Society sponsor Heather Boyd. “We are hoping to reach of a goal of 400 donors.”
Boyd said the goal of 400 donors is consistent with drives hosted by Russellville in the past, but exceeding that goal would be exciting.
“We have 400 appointment slots and we expect walk-ins, as well,” Boyd said. “If we can get over that number, that would be awesome.”
The National Honor Society’s annual blood drive at RHS, which began over 20 years ago, is one of the biggest in the southeast.
“The blood drive at Russellville is actually the biggest blood drive we have in the state of Alabama,” said Red Cross Executive Area Director Khris Anderson, a native of Franklin County. “This is one of our most important drives every year.”
The blood drive comes at a crucial time as the Red Cross has declared an emergency need for donors. Anderson knows personally how vital blood donation is and the impact donors make on others’ lives.
“I know first-hand the importance of blood donation,” she said. “I received Red Cross blood while I was undergoing cancer treatment and it very well saved my life.”
As an incentive for participation, the Red Cross is giving donors a $5 Amazon gift card at the blood drive.
Those planning to donate blood should bring their Red Cross donor card or other form of photo identification and be prepared to answer questions about medical history. The Red Cross will evaluate donor eligibility on site, but a Rapid Pass option is available to save time.
For more information about donating or the Rapid Pass option, individuals may visit redcrossblood.org or contact the Red Cross by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
