Blood drive collects 170 units
by Kellen Moore
Jennifer Hamlett of Boone donates blood Friday at Watauga High School during the second Media Challenge Blood Drive.
In addition to serving as a Red Cross volunteer, Hamlett is studying to become a nurse and is a frequent blood donor.
"It's been every year, three or four times a year, since I was 16," Hamlett said. "Every chance I can get."
Hamlett said her reason for giving is simple: It saves lives. In fact, one pint of blood can save up to three lives, according to the American Red Cross.
The Red Cross collected 170 units of blood at Friday's drive, a nearly 50 percent increase from last year's Media Challenge Blood Drive tally.
The event was sponsored by Mountain Times Publications — which includes Watauga Democrat — Charter Media and High Country Radio. The event included raffles for prizes including a flat-screen television, Nintendo Wii and concert tickets.
The Red Cross has expressed an urgent need for blood donations, as supplies are well below normal this summer. The Watauga County Red Cross chapter will hold additional drives in August.
Call the local Red Cross chapter at (828) 264-8226 for more information.
In addition to serving as a Red Cross volunteer, Hamlett is studying to become a nurse and is a frequent blood donor.
"It's been every year, three or four times a year, since I was 16," Hamlett said. "Every chance I can get."
Hamlett said her reason for giving is simple: It saves lives. In fact, one pint of blood can save up to three lives, according to the American Red Cross.
The Red Cross collected 170 units of blood at Friday's drive, a nearly 50 percent increase from last year's Media Challenge Blood Drive tally.
The event was sponsored by Mountain Times Publications — which includes Watauga Democrat — Charter Media and High Country Radio. The event included raffles for prizes including a flat-screen television, Nintendo Wii and concert tickets.
The Red Cross has expressed an urgent need for blood donations, as supplies are well below normal this summer. The Watauga County Red Cross chapter will hold additional drives in August.
Call the local Red Cross chapter at (828) 264-8226 for more information.