NEGAUNEE, Mich. (WZMQ) – On Friday, students at Negaunee High School made their decisions to serve the Upper Peninsula and donate blood for those who might be in need.
With the opportunity, the community was welcome to join their efforts, but a majority of donations were made by students.
Dana Langsford is the manager of Blood Donor Services with the UP Health System. He says the goal of holding a blood drive at the school is to encourage these students to continue in the future.
“During the school year like we are now, it’s very important for us to go to the high schools. They’re usually very, very good blood drives,” he said. “We’re trying to get them into the habit of donating when they’re young, hopefully that’ll continue as they get older.”
All blood taken at these drives is delivered to local hospitals all across the Upper Peninsula, where a single pint can save up to three lives.
“We want everybody’s blood, regardless of blood type. We get a majority of our blood from blood drives, and we wouldn’t be able to supply 12 hospitals in the up without doing that,” said Langsford.
Langsford also says this time of year comes with the struggle of low amounts of blood donations.
“If you’re healthy, please consider donating blood, especially during the holiday season when we typically see declines in donations.”
Those interested in donating blood throughout the Upper Peninsula can visit uphealthsystem.com or the UP Regional Blood Center’s Facebook for event schedules.
