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ALBANY, N.Y. (May
14, 2009)
 --
Thursday’s blood drive at Albany High School
collected 218 units of blood – enough to potentially save 243 lives!
Blood
drives at Albany High offer special rewards for the American Red Cross.
Because many racial and ethnic groups have rare blood types that are
uncommon among other populations, patients in need sometimes have
difficulty finding blood donations that match their type. Albany High,
with its diverse student body, offers donations of many rare blood
types.
With 81 productive units of blood, Albany
High exceeded their American Red Cross target of 72 units. As a result,
Albany High has been selected to receive a $200 scholarship from the Red
Cross.
Senior Ruth DeGannes (pictured below)
organized the blood drive with the help of health teacher Sue Dwyer.
First able to give blood last year due to the 16-year-old age
restriction, Ruth has been a key contributor for the last six blood
drives.
Ruth was chosen to be the recipient of the
scholarship because of her important role in organizing the event;
however, she plans to return the money to the Red Cross.
 Aware that some people are afraid to give
blood, Ruth offers some encouragement for the timid.
“Donating blood is very important. Even if
you are scared of needles, it only takes five minutes and can help save
a life. Plus, you get free juice and cookies!”
The City
School District of Albany serves approximately 8,300 students in 18
elementary, middle and high schools. In addition to neighborhood
schools, the district
includes several magnet schools and programs, as well as other
innovative academic opportunities for students. The district is more
than halfway through its comprehensive facilities project to newly build
and/or renovate nearly all of its elementary and middle schools. The
ultimate goal of the facilities project is to provide schools with the
resources necessary to help students succeed in the 21st century.
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