Every 2 seconds someone needs a blood transfusion and more than 38,000 blood unit donations are needed every day (American Red Cross). Ohio Hi-Point Career Center participates in the “Drive to Serve” Scholarship  Program. Because OHP hosts 3 school based blood drives during the year, seniors that have helped during one of the blood drives are eligible to complete a scholarship application . For the school year 09-11, one of OHP student enrolled in the School of Health & Safety was awarded the scholarship. This student now is attending Clark State majoring in Nursing. Students enrolled in the School of Health & Safety help during the blood drives in the registration area, the canteen area and getting donors to and from their classrooms or lab. This is excellent  opportunity for these Health Tech students to put into practice what they have been learning in their lab. Without the help of these dedicated students, the blood drives would not be so successful. Our first blood drive was held on October 1, 2010 when the Red Cross was able to collect 85 units . During the January 7, 2011 blood drive, 89 units were collected. 1 pint of blood can save up to 3 lives. So far this school year, a total of 174 units have been collected or 522 lives have been saved by the commitment  of our OHP students in helping others. Many of the these students are first time donors as well. By having school based blood drives, it is the hope that early donation will lead to a  life long commitment of being a blood donor. Students are already asking to sign up for OHP next blood drive scheduled for March 4, 2011.

Amy McCarthy serves as the Health & Safety Coordinator for Ohio Hi-Point Career Center.