The average age of the U.S. blood donor population is increasing at an alarming rate. Currently, 75 percent of blood donations come from people over the age of 50. As our older donors are aging and the local need continues to rise, how do we maintain an adequate supply to fulfill the need for more blood donations? That’s where you come in!
By expanding our donor community and educating and inviting more young adults to participate, we can more equitably meet the transfusion needs of our increasingly diverse population in Central Texas. Plus, there are some great student benefits! As students plan, promote, recruit and donate for their campus blood drives, they can experience first-hand the value of volunteering, community involvement, altruism, and leadership.
Get Involved!
Wondering how you can get involved? We have several student programs available in which our high school and college-aged students can participate.
High School Cord Program
For those who start donating early, there is the option to take part in our donor cord program, if your school participates. Students who donate three or more times during their high school years can earn a blood donation cord to wear at graduation.
It’s our way of recognizing students for their commitment to supporting the community’s blood supply! Donate at your high school blood drive, nearby community blood drive, or at any of our four donor centers. To participate, students must be in good health, at least 17 years old, and must weigh at least 115 pounds for whole blood donations. If you are unable to donate, there is the option to have a sponsor. Learn more, here.
Volunteer Opportunities
We Are Blood’s volunteer program is dedicated to the development of qualified, well-trained volunteers. We can help students earn coveted community service hours by participating in the various volunteer service areas at We Are Blood. And, We Are Blood is a certifying organization for the President’s Volunteer Service Award which honors those who go above and beyond supporting our community.
Mobile Blood Drives
Last, but not least, host your very own blood drive. If you are considering hosting a blood drive at your campus or an organization, simply complete the interest form and a team member of ours will help make your mobile drive a successful one!
Presentations/Speakers
We Are Blood has expert staff that can come to your school and present to students on a variety of topics, like how to host a successful blood drive, the importance of diverse donors, and our newest program, Vein to Vein.
Originally created by America’s Blood Centers, Vein to Vein is and educational program geared specifically to HS students. The session covers the science of blood donation, blood typing and diversity, homeostasis, and more (and it meets the TEKS)! To learn more, please contact your school’s account manager.
We Are Blood Tours
Your class or student organization is welcome to join us for a behind-the-scenes tour of We Are Blood. Tours take place at our flagship location (4300 N Lamar Blvd.) Students will see first-hand what happens to the blood once it disappears behind the curtains.
High School Scholarship Program
When your high school becomes a We Are Blood partner and hosts a drive, we will provide a monetary gift in the amount of $15 for each donation made at your campus blood drive. At the end of the school year, we will provide a cumulative gift to your school to support educational initiatives.
Donate early and create a lasting impact!
Young people have a powerful influence in shaping society. Getting involved and volunteering for a cause you’re passionate about is a great way to inspire others. By donating blood even once, you have the potential to save up to three lives. If you return to donate again and bring along a friend or family member, the impact grows exponentially!
Donors of all ages play a vital role in maintaining our blood supply, but we have a special need for young donors, because by starting early, donors can contribute for many years to come.
We Are Blood hosts 2-5 blood drives a day, many of which take place at high schools around Central Texas. Check our calendar to find a drive at your high school or a community location near you.