By: Jerrica Williams

Greek philosopher Diogenes said that “the foundation of every state is the education of its youth.” The American Red Cross of Georgia offers several opportunities for students to learn about the importance of donating lifesaving blood and using what they have learned to help others in need.

One of those opportunities is the Sickle Cell Fighter High School Scholarship Program; a student scholarship program that rewards high schools that successfully collect blood from African American donors with the goal to support sickle cell patients by diversifying the blood supply.

The top ten high schools in the country that hosts at least one blood drive and collect the most units from donors who self-identify as African American are each awarded a $5,000 student scholarship. For the 2021-2022 school year, $15k in scholarships was provided to 3 high schools in Georgia – Woodland High School (Stockbridge), Lovejoy High School (Hampton), and Chapel Hill High School (Douglasville).  

Blaze Eppinger, sickle cell warrior, and Camp Administrator & Advocacy Coordinator at the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia says, “The collection of blood from African Americans is vital and can literally change lives. It is only right that those that go above and beyond lives are also changed with this scholarship.”

Sickle cell disease is the most common genetic blood disorder in the United States. In fact, it is estimated that more than 100,000 people in the country have sickle cell disease. Patients, the majority of whom are of African, Latin, and Mediterranean descent, may need blood transfusions throughout their lifetime, with some requiring closely compatible blood to avoid complications. Having a diverse blood supply is important to improving the health of these populations and saving lives. 

Alicia Doherty, Regional Donor Services Executive at  the American Red Cross of Georgia says, “The sickle cell fighter high school scholarship program is a great way for a school to earn scholarship money for a student, but more importantly, it helps ensure we have the right blood products to help sickle cell patients who need blood transfusions.”

As of April 1, 2023, there are currently four Georgia high schools in the top ten with Douglas County High School in second place.

Scholarships are a great source of financial assistance to college students. To be eligible for this year’s scholarship, high schools must host blood drives between July 1, 2022 – June 2023. Representatives from the school determine the scholarship recipient based on Red Cross-recommended criteria.

For more information on how you can get involved, please visit RedCrossBlood.org/SCFScholarship.