Fox Chapel Area earns Blood Drive Hero award from Vitalant

As Fox Chapel Area High School Community Outreach Director, Rachel Machen’s mission is to show students how to put good into the world.

Machen, longtime organizer of the school’s blood drives for Vitalant, didn’t let the covid-19 pandemic thwart her efforts.

She arranged blood drives at a nearby Harmar location where students, staff and community members could donate off-site, in lieu of the typical on-campus events.

For her efforts, the high school earned Vitalant’s Blood Drive Hero award, presented to Machen.

“I think it’s important for the district to raise awareness because donating blood is one of the easiest ways that our students can make a difference,” Machen said.

“Working together as a district and community, our blood donations make a direct impact in saving the lives of others.”

“I also hope that our blood drives turn teenagers into lifelong donors,” she said. “Students leave the blood drive feeling good, knowing their selfless act saves a life.”

Fox Chapel Area High School has been conducting blood drives for 17 years and consistently draws more than 200 registered donors per year, Vitalant communications manager Kristen Lane said.

“The number of donors varies depending on the size of the school but 200 donors a year is excellent,” Lane said. “If someone gets 10 donors, it’s great. We value every single one.”

According to the Vitalant website, someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds.

With the pandemic last year, Lane said nearly all schools canceled their blood drives — but not Fox Chapel Area.

“We really count on our high school students to donate,” she said. “Nearly 15-25 % of our supply comes from high school students.”

Despite the pandemic, Machen coordinated four blood drives, and Lane said donors didn’t hesitate to make the short trip to the donation center at 2585 Freeport Road.

“When we’re in the schools, we’re able to bring all the equipment in,” Lane said.

“The number one reason students donate is to get out of school. In this case, they still came out and donated.”

Machen said members of the school community are the true heroes for taking time to help during the critical shortage of the pandemic.

“Volunteering and giving back not only helps others but makes one feel good, too,” Machen said. “I want students to know that they can make an impact and do good in the world, and that just by donating blood, they are making a direct impact in the lives of others.”