DOVER, NH — Thanks to the many donors, students, and volunteers who attended the Portsmouth Christian Academy at Dover blood drive, the American Red Cross was able to collect 23 pints of blood Thursday, May 13.

In order to reach this goal, PCA Student Council members employed a variety of unique recruitment tactics. Signs were posted at major intersections around town and at the entrances to the school to notify parents and visitors. A student-designed flyer was also posted throughout the school and distributed to staff.

 “My friends and I were excited when we heard about the blood drive during morning announcements last Monday,” said PCA junior Karissa LeClair. “This is my first time and I can finally do this now that I am 16 years old. I want to make a difference.”

Regular donor and Dover resident, Jen Eisan learned about the drive when she received a call from the Red Cross. “I enjoy donating blood,” she said. “It’s a nice way to give back.”

“It is great now that the State of NH is allowing appointments in advance. We’ve noticed many people taking advantage of this by pre-registering for the drive online or calling in to arrange their appointments,” stated Red Cross Team Supervisor Mary Jane Barrington, RN. “We are still taking many walk-ins, but 27 appointments were made prior to starting the drive here at PCA.”

The PCA Student Council would like to extend a big thank you to the Dover community and the many students, faculty, and friends who helped make the blood drive a success. The blood drive is very important to make sure the Red Cross will have blood on hand for those who are in accidents, have a heart attack, receive cancer treatments, and all others procedures whose lives are saved by receiving blood.

If you did not get the chance to donate at this blood drive, please go to www.givebloodgivelife.org or call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE to find a blood drive near you.

Portsmouth Christian Academy at Dover is located at 20 Seaborne Drive, Dover, NH. PCA offers a challenging academic curriculum from preschool through high school along with competitive athletic programs and other stimulating extra-curricular activities. For more information, please call 603.742.3617 or visit the school’s web site at www.pcaschool.org.




Collection Specialist Shari Tremlett observes procedures as Red Cross Team Supervisor Mary Jane Barrington, RN, assists first-time donor Karissa LeClair, a junior at Portsmouth Christian Academy, at the blood drive held Thursday, May 13.

 

Joan Corliss, Collection Specialist for the American Red Cross, is assisting Jen Eisan, regular donor and Dover resident, during the PCA Student Council sponsored blood drive, which was held Thursday, May 13.