NRHS teaches importance of blood donation

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Nine times a year the New Richmond community helps save lives by hosting American Red Cross blood drives. In addition to the community blood drives, the high school holds blood drives twice during the academic year. Jeff Albarado, a teacher with New Richmond High School, is one of the individuals whose commitment to blood and platelet donation has played a significant role in ensuring the health of patients.

Albarado, a biology and anatomy teacher, has been the faculty advisor for blood drives at New Richmond High School for the last four years (the high school has sponsored drives for approximately 12 years). As a science teacher he is dedicated to educating students about the importance of blood donation and helping keep blood on the shelves for patients in need.

“It’s important to me to have our youth get involved at the high school level because they will be the blood donors of the future,” said Albarado. “There are so many ways for today’s youth to make a difference and this is one way they can give back to the community.”

“Jeff’s dedication to the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross is extraordinary and I believe that he is a terrific role model for the high school students” said Cory Miller, donor recruitment representative in the North Central Blood Services Region. “With his leadership several of the students participated in the American Red Cross’ National Youth Council’s “Connect Tour” workshop last year and he hopes to create the region’s first Red Cross Club.”

The New Richmond community will be able to donate next Wednesday, June 20, at the American Legion, 1260 Wall St., from noon to 6 p.m.

The American Red Cross is encouraging all eligible blood donors to make donating blood or platelets part of their summer plans to help ensure a stable blood supply for patients. As part of the “Live Life. Give Life” summer appreciation program, all presenting donors from May 21 to Sept. 5 will earn a chance to win a prize certificate for $5,000 redeemable at www.giftcertificates.com.

All blood types are needed, especially O negative, B negative, and A negative. Type O negative, the universal blood type, can potentially be transfused to patients with any blood type.

How to Donate Blood:

Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies more than 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

Tags: new richmond schools, education