Community Blood Bank Unveils Scholarship Program

High school blood drives are a tradition that dates back to the 1970’s. Now the Community Blood Bank (CBB) is adding a new twist to this old tradition by introducing the Community Blood Bank Educational Scholarship Program. Under the new program, every school meeting minimum registration goals has the opportunity to earn scholarship dollars based on the success of their school’s blood drive.

High school blood drives are often the place a student is first introduced to the importance of giving blood. “I tell students you can drive a car at 16, but did you know you can save a life at 17,” stated CBB blood drive coordinator, Jami Kassebaum.

In addition to the opportunity to earn scholarship dollars, the new program also encourages making blood donation a regular activity. Traditionally, high school blood drives are an annual event and donating blood might not be done again until the person happens across a blood drive at college or at work. In light of the continued need for blood, one of the goals of the scholarship program is to develop regular blood donors.

Under the CBB Scholarship Program, schools must meet minimum registration goals and as a result will earn scholarship dollars for every unit of blood collected at their CBB high school blood drive. “In the past we have held a variety of high school competitions. The CBB Educational Scholarship Program is the best by far because it enables every school to be a winner,” states Joyce Halvorsen, public relations director.

The Community Blood Bank is the exclusive blood provider for 12 medical facilities in six Nebraska counties. For more information about the CBB Educational Scholarship Program visit the CBB website, www.don8bld.org, or contact either Jami Kassebaum, 402.496.9406 or Ashley Fleming, 402.486.9427.