Staff Writer
While college and high school students are on summer break, the Red Cross often struggles to make its blood donation goals.
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| Echo Co. Cadet Time Newman, of New Mexico Military Institute, relaxes while getting his blood drawn Friday at an American Red Cross blood drive at the Leader's Training Course. Photo by Kelsey Sullivan |
“These donations have made up for units we would otherwise have never had,” said Tammy Ritchie, a donor recruitment representative with the Red Cross’ Louisville area chapter.
While giving blood is not a new opportunity for Cadets at LTC, this summer marked the first time the Red Cross visited the post to collect it. Fort Knox had been home to a blood bank in previous years, but governmental orders called for a change in the way blood was to be collected and the bank ceased operation.
“For whatever reason the blood bank went away, so we had a void,” Maj. Donald Green said.
Green, the operations officer at LTC, contacted the Red Cross to see if it would be interested in coming to collect from Cadets.
“We jumped on it; the summer months are the hardest for us to collect in,” Ritchie said.
Thirty percent of the blood supply comes from college and high school students, so while school is out donors are harder to find, she said.
The opportunity at Fort Knox has worked well for the Red Cross. Friday marked the fourth time representatives have collected at LTC this summer, acquiring a total of 257 units of blood.
The Red Cross will be back at LTC two more times for Cadets who want to donate; today and Aug. 7.
Green said it is traditional for the Army to give Cadets the opportunity to donate.
“It teaches the kids citizenship, and how to be a part of the community,” Green said.
Co. D 1/46th Inf. Cadets, who graduated Sunday, donated 57 units Friday.
“This is a good way to end LTC; we can do this for our country,” said Travonte Jenkins, who attends Norfolk State University. “We’re here to help other people.”