Southern Local planning final blood drive

The Southern Local High School National Honor Society is planning its final blood drive of the year Tuesday, March 24, and organizers are seeking donors to make a difference.

Adviser Bob Shansky said the student organization is partnering with the American Red Cross. The drive will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the high school gym. The school is located at 38095 state Route 39, east of Salineville. Registered donors and community walk-ins are welcome. NHS members will assist with stations from registration to the canteen while Red Cross medical personnel conduct the blood collection.

“This is our last one of the year,” Shansky said, adding the campaign would help address a decreased blood supply. “The theme is ‘Help Fill the Need: Donate Blood.’”

Red Cross officials have said there is a blood shortage, and volunteers can help save lives. All viable blood collected may be used for cancer treatments, surgeries and emergency situations. The biannual blood drive not only gives back to the community; it also supports graduating NHS members by providing scholarship money based on the number of units collected. Additionally, donors who give in March will receive a $15 gift card by email, and successful donations will receive A1C testing.

Participants may go online or scan the QR code to make an appointment and access RapidPass, which helps save time during the donation process. For more information, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767), visit RedCrossBlood.org, or download the Blood Donor app.