Welcome to the March issue of Blood Drop.

In this Issue

	We have a Winner!
	February Heroes!
	Have you met Red Defender?
	What's your Blood IQ?

School Program Info

The following schools are holding blood drives in March. Stay tuned next month to see how they did!

• Cambridge South Dorchester High School
• Concord High School
• St. Elizabeth High School
• Indian River High School
• Rising Sun High School
• Salisbury Christian School
• Dover High School
• Salisbury School
• Mardela High School
• Salesianum School
• Ursuline Academy
• Perryville High School
• University of Delaware
• Cab Calloway School of the Arts
• Washington College
• Wesley College
• Laurel High School
• Wilmington College

There are 154 Hero Donors so far this year.  Can you beat last year's total of 314? The Hero Program runs until August 31. Please encourage your friends and family to fill out a Hero Card on behalf of your school each time they give blood

Contact Information:
Lauren Bacon
School Program Coordinator
302-737-8405 ext. 796
schoolbloodprogram@bbd.org

We have a Winner!

Congratulations to Helene from North East High School-- she had the winning suggestion for the Blood Bank's Creative Recruitment Ideas Contest.  She will receive a $50 VISA gift card!  Her winning suggestion:

Encourage schools to host a "blood rally" a month prior to the blood drive, explaining the benefits of donating blood through fun games and competition.  Blood Drop Note: If your school can't dedicate an entire class period to a blood rally, try holding smaller rallies during lunch periods. Have blood trivia or games at your blood drive sign-up table. Announce a competition among homerooms, or raffle items you plan to give away. Get students pumped up for your school's blood drive and saving lives!

Thanks to everyone who submitted ideas. Here are some others we received:

• A William Penn High School student suggested dedicating your school's display case to the blood drive. Include pictures of past blood donors, the free T-shirt everyone receives, and announce any raffles, special food or other incentives you'll offer at your blood drive.
• A Howard High School student suggested that students dress up as characters (the Blood Bank's mascot, Delmar, or your school's mascot) to go to class and pick up students and staff for their blood donation appointments.
• Both William Penn and Howard High School students suggested asking local businesses and/or fast food restaurants to donate gifts for raffle prizes. After the blood drive, publish the winners in your school paper or submit it to your community's local paper.
• A North East High School student thinks a contest among 11th and 12th grade homerooms (against their respective grades) would boost blood donation. Whichever homeroom gives the most blood could be rewarded with a pizza party or other prize.

February Heroes!

Thank you to the 14 schools who hosted blood drives in February. 

A total of 863 pints of blood were donated in February!!

Click here to see a complete list of blood drive results.  To view photos, click here.

Have you met Red Defender?

Saving the World Isn't Easy!                                                                              Saving a Life Is!                                                                                                            Give Blood!

Check out www.bloodsaves.com to learn more about Red Defender. His website is an interactive and fun way to learn more about the importance of giving blood. You may have seen or heard his public service announcements on television and/or radio.

What's your Blood IQ?

See how much you know about blood by taking this fun quiz.  Email schoolbloodprogram@bbd.org for the answer key.

1. What percentage of a person's body weight is blood?        

a. 2%  b. 10%  c. 16%  d.  7%

2.  What common chemical added to blood keeps it from clotting until it is ready to be transfused to a patient?                                                                           

a. sugar  b. salt  c.  bleach  d. vinegar

3.  How many blood types do cows have?

a.  8  b.  50  c.  100  d. over 800

4.  How many blood donors are needed on the Delmarva Peninsula each day?

a. 500  b.  350  c.  200  d.  75

5. What is the shelf life of red blood cells?

a.  42 days  b.  35 days  c.  56 days  d.  indefinite- you can freeze it