Charger News

Students give blood

Jonathan McNabb, Charger Staff

This year’s blood drive was one of the best in Cookeville High School’s history. More than one hundred fifty people signed up to give blood, and on Sept. 27 many usable donations were taken to support our community. This is one of the largest numbers of usable donations ever given at CHS. Interact club president Amy Walker was impressed with this year’s turnout saying, “This year’s blood drive was definitely the most successful blood drive ever held at CHS. Blood Assurance is a wonderful organization to work with, and the entire day ran smoothly. It’s so amazing to see this many high school students come and donate blood! Today was a great day for the entire community.”

Stan Hilliard with Blood Assurance was also impressed saying, “I think this is one of the best high school drives I have ever seen. Our team of workers really enjoyed the day.”

Each year the blood drive is set up and promoted within the school by Interact, a Rotary sponsored community service organization. The one change this year was that Blood Assurance, not the American Red Cross, ran the blood drive. Senior Interactor Chuck Acheson who attended blood drive meetings and worked at the blood drive said about Blood Assurance, “Blood drive this year was a big success. Working with Blood Assurance was a great pleasure. Bloos Assurance was able to keep everything running quickly and efficiently.”

The decision was made in the school blood drive to change to Blood Assurance, because within the last few months Cookeville Regional Hospital has switched to Blood Assurance for their blood supply instead of the American Red Cross. Principle Wayne Shanks, who sits on the Blood Assurance Board for Cookeville, said about the blood drive, “I was pleased with the turnout. It speaks well of the quality of the students. Giving blood is a great gift to the community.”

The next blood drive will be held in the spring on Apr. 5.