Dayton Holds Most Successful Blood Drive To Date

Students, parents, teachers, and community members alike turned out Wednesday for the Jonathan Dayton High School student council's annual winter blood drive.

This year's blood drive was centered around the theme of heroes.  Donors were invited to bring in pictures of their own heroes to be added to a wall collage at the drive, and were reminded that since every pint of blood can save two to three lives, they themselves may become heroes as well.

One hundred eighteen people turned out to roll up their sleeves and donate blood.  New Jersey Blood Services, the division of New York Blood Center that staffed the drive, collected 64 whole blood donations, and 38 donations from 19 double red cell donors.  The potential exists for 290 lives to be saved as a result of Wednesday's donor turnout.

Chris Schetelich, Account Manager for New Jersey Blood Services, reports that based on the data, Wednesday's blood drive was the most successful blood drive Jonathan Dayton has ever held in terms of donors and donations.

Last October, the school was invited to make a presentation at Johnson & Johnson's High School Blood Drive Summit.  Student Council Advisor Mary Cokeing, President Ross Fish, Vice President Matt Neubauer, and Sophomore Class President Brett Biebelberg spoke about best practices and suggested tips to other schools on planning and running a successful blood drive.

Schetelich thanked students, faculty and parents for taking the time to support the drive and for "making such a difference in the lives of our patients and their families."

The school's student council hosts its spring blood drive on June 3.