The program annually collects about 200 units of blood for the American Red Cross.
The motto of The American Legion’s Boys State programs is “a week to shape a lifetime.” Delegates at Buckeye Boys State in Ohio are helping shape others’ lives.
“We always hold a blood drive on the Saturday before graduation,” said Christie White, Americanism and Children & Youth Coordinator for the Department of Ohio, who noted that Buckeye Boys State has teamed up with the American Red Cross for the event for over 15 years. “We choose this day because it is also parents’ day, and we encourage parents to donate as well.”
At this year’s blood drive at Buckeye Boys State, 163 people donated a total of 192 units, including a record 46 power red donations. In power red donations, a special machine allows someone to safely donate two units of red blood cells during one donation.
Jean Richardson, an account manager with the Red Cross, noted the blood drives at Buckeye Boys State have been consistently successful even as participation in the program itself decreased post-Covid.
“I still think it’s a huge, huge accomplishment to stay around the realm of 200 units each year,” said Richardson, who noted that the blood drive in 2017 — Buckeye Boys State’s first year at Miami University of Ohio — collected 211 units.
White noted that donations at Buckeye Boys State are the majority of the donations the Department of Ohio makes to the Red Cross blood drive. “Department headquarters holds blood drives every six weeks, but having a mass blood drive at BBS helps the Red Cross quickly,” she said.
In addition to actual donations, Buckeye Boys State delegates help the Red Cross’ “fantastic team” with the drive, White said.
“The BBS delegates in the State Department of Health do the check in. Like all of the aspects of Boys State, the blood drive is a teaching moment for these delegates. They get to work hand in hand with the Red Cross, assisting with appointments, entering data, (and) making sure everyone has snacks/water after they donate,” she said.
“It’s really great to see the boys committed to donating blood,” Richardson said.
American Legion posts, Boys State programs, and others interested in hosting a blood drive can apply online at RedCrossBlood.org.
- Boys Nation