Williamsburg students donate blood

Williamsburg High School students participated in their third blood drive of the school year on Tuesday, Jan. 6.

The Hoxworth Bloodmobile was parked in front of the school and technicians directed students through the process of blood donation.

Gary Woebkenberg, a recruiter with Hoxworth, said that teacher and librarian Lynnett Lonaker was instrumental in coordinating the blood drive.

"Nearly 11 percent of our collections come from high school blood drives," Woebkenberg said. "The first blood drive of the year held in April at Williamsburg, we had 48 kids and faculty donors, the second drive, held in October we had 64 donors. This is the first year that we are taking donations from kids who are 16."

Students who are 16 are required to bring a permission slip from their parents. According to Woebkenberg, Hoxworth estimates that more than 10,000 units will be donated by students at high school blood drives around the Cincinnati area.

"When we collect a unit of blood, it benefits three people and that means that more than 30,000 people will benefit from our high school blood drives," said Woebkenberg.

The blood drive was opened to community donors during the evening hours and technicians were expecting a large crowd.

"We have seen a 30 percent increase in donors since last year," said Woebkenberg. "The people in Williamsburg see this as a way to support the school. There is a real commitment and connection between the community and the high school," said Woebkenberg. "With the economy like it is, donating blood close to home makes it easier and the drive is quicker for many people."

Two more community blood drives are scheduled this year, one for Wednesday, March 4 and another one Wednesday, April 29.