GALLERY: Blood drive organized by West Nile survivor a huge success
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FIRTH — The American Red Cross blood drive and senior project of a Firth student turned out to a major success after he exceeded his projected goal.
Local West Nile survivor Skyler Auclaire wanted to give back to the community through hosting a blood drive. 34 units of blood were collected by 39 donors. The initial goal was to collect 27 units of blood.
Skyler, 18, and his partner KarLee Giannini, 17, worked hard to make their project a success.
Justin Huse, an administrator with the local chapter of Vector Disease Control, attended and hoped to raise awareness about disease transmitted through mosquitos. Huse said they monitor the mosquito population in east Idaho and take preventative measures to keep the community healthy.
“I put out what are called light traps and they catch the adult insects. We survey what species are in the area and we attack accordingly,” Huse said.
Christine Gladstone with the American Red Cross said she was impressed by the turnout and the students hard work. Gladstone said all of the blood stays in southeastern Idaho.
“These students have done really good,” Gladstone said. “Today they did something really different. They had the abatement program married with the blood drive which is perfect. (We need) to fight the bite because we don’t want people to get West Nile virus.”
Skyler Auclaire speaking with Justin Huse of the Vector Disease Control.
Patient about to give blood in the Firth High School library.
High school student Ashli after donating blood.
Sophomore Austin Johnson making a difference.
Skyler Auclaire and his group promoting the blood drive in their Vector Disease Control shirts.