MILLVILLE — A Ridgeline High School senior is being recognized for her efforts to save lives and inspire others to donate blood. Cyerra Spencer, a participant in the American Red Cross of Utah’s Leaders Save Lives program, organized a blood drive recently that earned her a $1,000 scholarship.
Spencer’s initiative brought vital blood donations to patients in need while empowering her peers to get involved in the lifesaving cause. The Leaders Save Lives program encourages high school and college students to host blood drives during school breaks, offering them the chance to develop leadership skills, earn volunteer hours, and qualify for scholarships.
“Hosting the blood drive was my way of making a meaningful impact,” said Spencer in a release. “I wanted to reach more people and inspire them to join this lifesaving effort. I started donating blood during my sophomore year, and it was such a rewarding experience. My hope was to ignite that same passion in others and show them how powerful giving can be.”
Spencer says she plans to attend Utah State University in the fall.
“Cyerra’s commitment demonstrates the power of young people to rally their communities for a lifesaving cause,” exclaimed Benjamin Donner, Executive Director of the Red Cross Central and Southern Utah Chapter. “We hope her story inspires others to host blood drives and encourages the community to support these efforts by donating blood.”
The Leaders Save Lives program rewards participants who collect 25 or more pints of blood with opportunities for gift cards and scholarships. Blood donations are especially critical during school holidays when donations tend to drop.
The Red Cross encourages community members to support student-led blood drives this holiday season. Blood drives similar to the one Spencer organized will be taking place at a variety of locations along the Wasatch Front over the next month.
Donors who give blood between Dec. 16 and Jan. 3, 2025, will receive an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt while supplies last. Additionally, donations made from Jan. 1 to Jan. 26, 2025, will automatically enter donors into a drawing for a trip for two to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans.
Appointments can be scheduled through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, at redcrossblood.org, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).