Junior Fights Blood Shortage by Organizing Hutchison Blood Drive
Stephanie Park '25 organized Hutchison's blood drive to help fight the national ongoing blood shortage. With her efforts, blood donations at the Hutchison blood drive could have saved as many as 96 lives.
Through the hard work of Stephanie Park ’25, the Red Cross Club, and Hutchison Serves, Hutchison hosted its third annual blood drive. Stephanie stepped up to the plate(let) to organize this year’s blood drive after Eleanor Merchant ’23, who organized the first two blood drives, graduated.
“When we started the blood drive, I saw it was a good way to help people whether they’re getting an organ transplant or recovering from a medical emergency and ease the stress that many local hospitals are facing daily,” Stephanie said.
The American Red Cross is dealing with emergency blood shortage as it experiences the lowest number of people giving blood in 20 years. Students, faculty, staff, and parents rolled up their sleeves to give blood and give back. The blood drive's success was featured on Memphis Parent Magazine's website. Hutchison Serves director Helen Guyton ’05 praised Stephanie’s enthusiasm and organization in organizing the blood drive.
"Starting in the fall, she came to me to ensure we had a plan in place and took the initiative to set up the volunteer spreadsheet and talk through other logistics for the day. She has made the blood drive easier for me because of her organization and genial disposition. I applaud her efforts!” Guyton said.
Guyton said Stephanie is a service-oriented student, and the blood drive is just one way she showcases her servant leadership. Stephanie also serves on the Service Learning Council, is a member of a Wilson Society project, and coaches with Girls on the Run.
We are proud of Stephanie’s work with the American Red Cross to bring the blood drive to the school and encourage the Hutchison community to rally around a common cause and save lives. According to the American Red Cross, one unit of blood donated at a blood drive can save three lives. With our efforts over the past three years, blood donations at the Hutchison blood drive could have saved as many as 288 lives.