A Bloody Good Story

The Pottstown CARES blood drive collected enough blood to save 213 lives.

Blogger's Note: Just in case you were under the mistaken impression that the Pottstown CARES event was just about raking leaves, the force of nature that is John Armato sets the record straight.

The recent Pottstown CARES event not only helped cleanup many neighborhood streets, add a fresh coat of paint on some houses, and provide information to the public about many community service organization it also helped to save lives right here in Pottstown.

PHS Band Director Michael Vought truly gives "blood,"
along with sweat and tears to his community.

Partnering with the Miller-Keystone Blood Bank, donation drives were conducted at both the community days and community cleanup events. Twenty units of blood were collected at the Hill School during the community days’ event and 51 units at Pottstown High School. 

According to Carol Graves from the Miller-Keystone Blood Bank each unit of blood donated helps to save three lives. She said, “Every two seconds in America someone needs a blood transfusion. All of the blood donated through this event will be utilized right here in Pottstown to help save lives.”

Pottstown High School students played an active role in the program. Members of the high school Student Government were responsible for organizing and promoting the event while Health Occupations students assisted technicians in collecting the donated blood.

Michaela Johnson, Health Occupations teacher, said, “The drive was a great success. I’m so proud of the students who took part. Workers from Miller-Keystone pointed out that our students were great to work with. They volunteered their time and were able to help others while gaining knowledge of how the healthcare team works.”

Health Occupations student Ashli Sinclair said, “I had fun and enjoyed helping at the blood drive. It made me feel good to know I was helping others.”

Classmate Jasmine Maldonado said, “I really felt like I was able to make a difference knowing that I was doing something that will help save lives.”

PHS student Brad Mathues was enthusiastic about his donation

“As a donor aide, I was able to help donors through the process. I worked directly with the phlebotomist,” stated student Kourage Norris.

Mark Agnew, advisor to Student Government, said, “This is a tremendous experience for our students. Organizing, promoting, and facilitating this event gives our students real life experiences and a sense of accomplishment in playing a role in our community.”

“This is my second year helping out with the blood drive. I was able to go to the Miller-Keystone breakfast last spring where they have donor recipients share their gratitude and was motivated by what I heard," said student government member Kelly O’Donnell. "I’m looking forward to our February drive and hoping we can fit in another opportunity to help the community before the end of the year. It is awesome to really be able to help save a life.” 

Student Ben Habekost summed it up by saying, “It feels good to give back to the community and it shows that Pottstown High School students have pride in Pottstown.”

PHS Health Assistance students helped out with style. From left are Ashli Sinclair, Jasmine Maldonado,
Kenisha Holloway, Kourage Norri and, Kasia Butts

A Bloody Request at Halloween Time

There's nothing to be scared of. It's just a blood donation

Somebody wants your blood, and it's not a Transylvanian Count or a pale teenage heartthrob.

It's the upstanding members of the Pottstown High School Student Government.

On Friday, Nov. 16, they will be sponsoring a blood drive in the high school band room, beginning at 7:30 a.m.

To donate blood, you need be only 17 years old, at least 110 pounds (no problem there for me!), and have not received a tattoo or body piercing within the past year.

To donate, you must register in advance, and can do so by e-mailing Mark Agnew
at magnew@pottstownsd.org with your name and the time you would like to donate.

Blood transfusions save more than four million lives each year.

Student Government President Megan O'Donnell reminds all "it is estimated that blood is needed every two seconds, and that one out of seven people entering the hospital will need blood. Since blood cannot be manufactured or harvested, it can only come from people like YOU – the volunteer blood donor! Thank you in advance!"

You should also know that the deadline to register is Tuesday, Nov. 13, and can be done at the high school main office as well.

There will be no walk-ins on Nov. 16.