By: Acacia Cameron, Red Cross Volunteer

Madge Zemp is a Hartsville High School teacher who possesses a passion for American Red Cross Blood Donation Drives. Madge has worked as a teacher in the district for many years and states that the local blood drives have been going on for over 30 years.

“I can talk to you all day long about how passionate I am about this.” She says. “Hartsville High School is just different. We have a heartbeat up here.”

Madge was inspired to take the lead in helping her students organize blood drives with the Red Cross because she’s witnessed how people in her life have relied on Red Cross help and support, including loved ones who’ve needed blood transfusions.

“I’m a caregiver and a doer. It’s my nature. I (personally) know people who have needed help from the American Red Cross.” Madge said. “If not me, then who?”

Madge is humble when it comes to acknowledging the increasing success of blood drives at Hartsville High School since she took over as the volunteer Blood Program Leader.

“It’s really our students… ​​I love children to be involved,” said Madge.

She encourages the students to be ambassadors for the blood drive in any way they are able. Madge highlights the importance of giving back and loves that volunteers don’t have to have any special background to be helpful.

Because of the notable success of blood drives at Hartsville High School, last year the American Red Cross awarded $3,000 in scholarship money to be divided among three students.

Hartsville High School recently placed in the top 10 high schools nationally for their involvement in the Sickle Cell Initiative. As a result, for the 2024-25 school year, the Red Cross has pledged $8,000 in scholarship awards in recognition of the students’ success in the program.

Madge knows that not everyone is able to donate blood for one reason or another. She is keenly aware that the simple idea of donating blood can be scary and intimidating to most people. Madge presents other avenues of service to her students and fellow community members such as: hosting blood drives, recruiting, being boots on the ground, and spreading awareness of the critical need for blood donation.

“I almost pass out every time,” Madge candidly tells her students and friends. “Just think if the person you love the most needs a unit of blood. Do you want that to be your people? Do you want that unit of blood to be available? I do.”

Because of her success at Hartsville High School, Madge has been invited to help other high schools become successful in hosting blood drives. Hartsville High school averages about 125 units per drive. With at least four drives per year, that is an admirable contribution.

“It makes your heart feel good,” Madge said.

The American Red Cross collects, processes and distributes about 40% of the nation’s blood supply. The ARC needs about 12,500 units of blood and 3,000 units of platelets to supply 2,500 hospitals nationwide. With someone in need of blood every 2 seconds, we need to help spread awareness just like Madge. Download the award-winning Red Cross Blood Donor App. It is easy and convenient for donors to schedule and manage their donation appointments, track the lifetime impact of their donations, and recruit others to donate.