Leslie Zuniga of Hailey helped save lives by hosting an American Red Cross blood drive this summer and earned a $1,000 scholarship as a result of her lifesaving efforts.
As part of the Red Cross Leaders Save Lives program, the College of Southern Idaho student hosted a blood drive at Wood River High School on July 24, which collected 53 blood donations. As a result, Zuniga was entered in a drawing to win a scholarship and was chosen as a winner. Zuniga also was awarded a gift card.
“Hosting the blood drive was a very fun experience,” Zuniga said. “I learned the importance of what donating blood can do. I hope to continue donating blood and my time to help out on future blood drives.”
Blood donors from high school and college blood drives account for about 20 percent of donations given through the Red Cross during the school year. Many of these blood donors do not give when school is not in session during the summer months and the winter holidays -- a time when an overall decline in donations often occurs.
The Leaders Save Lives program encourages community-minded high school and college students to host blood drives to help maintain the blood supply during these crucial times of the year.
Students can sign up now to participate in the Leaders Save Lives program this winter break, Dec. 15, 2018, through Jan. 15, 2019.
More information is available at RedCrossBlood.org/LeadersSaveLives.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.