Revere High School is currently working on rescheduling a blood drive with the American Red Cross after a school cancellation, causing a delay amid a time of need for blood donations.

Christy Peters, external communications manager for the American Red Cross’s Northern Ohio Blood Services Region, commented on why blood donors during this time is extremely important, especially those held at high schools.

“Almost 20 percent of the blood collected by the Red Cross comes from high school and college students. Many high schools host multiple blood drives during the school year that help us meet the local need,” Peters said.

Peters also spoke about why the weather delays have made the need all the more important this year due to weather cancellations.

“Severe winter weather has had a tremendous impact on blood donations already this year, with more than 150 blood drives forced to cancel causing over 5,500 blood and platelet donations to go uncollected,” Peters said.

Peters also discussed why donors of all blood types are especially needed because of the winter blood donation shortage which could affect patient care, with the Northern Ohio Blood Services Region serving over 50 area hospitals.

“Blood and platelet donations are urgently needed in the coming days so that patients can continue to receive life saving treatments. Right now, blood and platelet donations are being distributed to hospitals as fast as they come in,” Peters said.

Peters said that they are working with Revere to figure out rescheduling.

“The Red Cross is working right now to find a new date when the blood drive can be held,” Peters said.

Peters stressed why blood donations is not just needed during the winter months, but at every time during the year and how donations are always important.

“Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Blood and platelets are needed for accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease. It cannot be manufactured but only comes from volunteer blood donors who give on a regular basis,” Peters said.

Peters said that anyone can feel free to contact the Red Cross, especially now that they have a blood donor mobile app that makes it easier for donors to schedule and manage their donation appointments. Donors can also track the impact of their donations and even earn rewards and encourage others to give blood.

“Donors can also access their donor card through the Blood Donor App and view their health history information, including blood pressure, hemoglobin levels and pulse rate. Download the free app by texting “BLOODAPP” to 90999 or searching ‘American Red Cross’,” Peters said.

Peters also said that donors can always feel free to make an appointment to donate blood at any time.

“To make an appointment or for more information about blood donations, donors can visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767),” Peters said.

Jessica Mackey, Revere Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher, described how she helps coordinate the blood drives at school and why it’s so important to hold these blood drives.

“Donating blood is always important, but it is especially urgent now with all of the natural disasters that have recently occurred. We are fortunate to host drives at school, where it is convenient for students and staff members to help save lives,” Mackey said.

Mackey also commented on how students should consider donating blood if they are able to.

“If students are able, they should consider donating. It is such a simple thing that really does have an enormous impact,” Mackey said.

While a date is still to be determined, another blood drive will be taking place on Friday, March 16.