Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
WORTHNGTON, Minn. -- Morgan Jensen of Worthington helped save lives by hosting an American Red Cross blood drive this summer and earned a $1,000 scholarship as a result of her lifesaving efforts.
As part of the Red Cross Leaders Save Lives program, the Jensen hosted a blood drive at American Lutheran Church on August 3, 2016 which collected 39 blood donations, meeting its goal. As a result, Jensen was entered in a drawing to win a college scholarship and was chosen as a winner. Jensen was also awarded a gift card.
“Ever since I can remember I have always wanted to make a difference in the lives of others,” said Jensen. “When the Red Cross offered the opportunity for students to host blood drives I knew that was the perfect way to make a positive difference for those in need.”
Jensen is attending Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall and plans to graduate with a medical laboratory science degree. She plans to work as a medical laboratory technologist or pursue a Masters degree to become a physician’s assistant.
“Donating blood is a very important and special gift that saves the lives of many people,” said Jensen. “I would encourage others to donate if they are able because the need is constant.”
Blood donors from high school and college blood drives account for about 20 percent of donations given through the Red Cross during the school year. Many of these blood donors do not give during the summer months and the winter holidays when school is not in session, and when blood shortages can occur. The Leaders Save Lives program encourages community-minded 16- to 24-year-old students to host blood drives to help maintain the blood supply during these crucial times of the year. Students who participate as a blood drive coordinator are eligible to win a scholarship for higher education and to earn a gift card.
Students can sign up now to participate in the Leaders Save Lives program this winter break, Dec. 15, 2016, through Jan. 15, 2017. More information is available at redcrossblood.org/leaderssavelives.
About the American Red Cross:The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
###