Western KY Students Can Earn Special Graduation Honor by Donating Blood

The Western Kentucky Regional Blood Center announced this week on Facebook that our local A+ blood supply is low. Over the holidays, donations tend to be lower as folks are understandably busy with family, parties, kids' activities, etc. Now that the weather is nicer, more places are hosting blood drives and things, so hopefully the trend of giving is moving upward

WKRBC Supplies Eleven Counties With Blood Products

You may not know that the Western Kentucky Regional Blood Center serves multiple counties, medical facilities, and ambulance services. Owensboro Health Regional Hospital, Owensboro Health Twin Lakes Medical Center, Ohio County Hospital, Crittenden Health System, Caldwell County Hospital, Jennie Stuart Medical Center, Breckinridge Memorial Health, and three Air Ambulances rely on local donors. That's us.

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The High School Hero Program

If you are a Western Kentucky senior set to graduate in May (or you know one), there is another incentive for you to donate. The High School Hero Program's slogan is "Not all heroes wear a cape, some heroes wear a red cord!" That is because if you qualify, you will be honored with a special blood-red cord to wear with your cap and gown at graduation.

For students who may not be eligible to give for whatever reason, four hours of volunteering at the blood center will also qualify you to be a High School Hero.

Eligibility & Tips for Donating Blood

According to the WKRBC website, here is what you need to know about donating blood:

To Donate Blood

• Please present a photo ID upon registration.
• Hydration is the key to a successful donation; drink plenty of water.
• Eat well before and after donation.
• Check all travel and any medical conditions with blood center staff.
• Donors must weigh at least 115 pounds.
• The legal age for voluntary blood donation in KY Is 17 or age 16 with signed consent.
• Donors must wait a full 8 weeks/56 days to give blood again.

Eligibility

• Graduating high school seniors from participating high schools.
• Must successfully give four (4) blood donations prior to May 10th.
• Student may donate either at their school drive, in the center, or at another WKRBC blood drive. When giving blood at a different location, student must alert staff to their high school’s name.
• Students who do not meet the donation criteria may instead elect to volunteer for four (4) hours assisting the blood center. (Must contact WKRBC to schedule.)
• It is a student’s responsibility to ensure we have their name.

High School Hero Scholarship

In partnership with the Daviess County and Ohio County Fiscal Courts, High School Heroes are also eligible to apply for a $1,000 scholarship to help with college expenses.

How to Become a High School Hero

In Daviess, Ohio, McLean, Hancock, Breckinridge, and Grayson Counties, contact: Vicki Ellis at vicki@wkrbc.org.

In Christian, Crittenden, Caldwell, Trigg, and Lyon counties, contact: Robbin Shively at robbin@wkrbc.org.

Or call WKRBC at (270) 684-9296!