Join The High School Hero Program: Donate Blood, Earn Honor Cord

The Western Kentucky Regional Blood Center announced this week on Facebook that they have reached a critically low level with their supply of blood products. Donations always slow down this time of year with the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Folks are understandably busy with family, parties, kids' activities, etc.

WKRBC Supplies Eleven Counties With Blood Products

However, unfortunate incidents still occur, and patients in area hospitals still need to have important procedures that may require the use of donor blood for survival. Six to be exact including 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 WKRBC donations. So, consider this my plea to you to give the gift of life for Christmas and stop by the office at 3015 Old Hartford Rd or hop on the bloodmobile at a local drive.

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The High School Hero Program

If you are a Western Kentucky senior set to graduate in May, 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 attend a participating school and successfully give four times before May 10th, 2024, you will be honored with a special blood-red cord to wear with your cap and gown at graduation.

CANVA

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. Here is a group of seniors from Hancock County who earned that status last year. These are what real-life superheroes look like!

Eligibility & Tips for Donating Blood

According to the WKRBC website, here is what you need to know to donate 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

And you can be one too. If you're interested in participating and you live in Daviess, Ohio, McLean, Hancock, Breckinridge, and Grayson Counties, you can contact Vicki Ellis at vicki@wkrbc.org.

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

Or call WKRBC at (270) 684-9296!

Here is the list of 2023 High School Heroes. Gotta give them a shoutout for being so awesome!