Indio Middle school plans 50th annual blood drive
Indio Middle School students are too young to donate blood, but that hasn’t stopped past and present students from contributing to a lifesaving cause.
And on Friday, Feb. 2 from 1:45 to 7 p.m. the school will reach a landmark of giving back to the community when it hosts its 50th blood drive with LifeStream.
Led by Indo Middle School instructor and LifeStream blood drive chairperson Nancy Kounovsky, school blood drives since 2005 have realized a cumulative total of about 2,000 units (pints) of blood collected; blood that has assisted more than 5,000 patients.
The school now hosts four blood drives per year; at each, students are encouraged to “Be a Hero” and recruit adults to give so that others may live. Students are provided incentives for recruiting the most blood donors.
Each donor at the February 2 drive receives free cholesterol screening, donor loyalty points, a coupon valid for a complimentary Jack in the Box combo meal – and the satisfaction of knowing they made a difference to patients in need.
Walk-ins are welcome; appointments may be made by calling 800-879-4484 or visiting LStream.org.
Donors must be at least 15 years of age (those under 18 years require a signed parental consent form; forms are available at the drive), weigh at least 110 pounds, feel well and present current photo ID.
LifeStream is the exclusive provider of blood products and services for all Coachella Valley hospitals. For more information, call 800-879-4484 or visit LStream.org.
