Did you know that up to 20 percent of our total blood collections come from young people like high school students? That is why high schools that sponsor American Red Cross blood drives make a vital contribution to the community. Not only do these blood drives help maintain an adequate blood supply, they also provide students the opportunity to change lives and develop valuable leadership skills.  By holding a blood drive on the school grounds, students are more likely to donate for the first time because it is a familiar environment to them.

Many high school students will be donating...