New Red Cord Program Celebrates High School Donors Making a Difference
At Stanford Blood Center (SBC), we’re proud to celebrate the compassion and community spirit of our youngest donors through the launch of our brand-new Red Cord Program. Introduced this year, the program was created to re-engage high school students in blood donation efforts following the challenges of the pandemic—and to recognize their lifesaving contributions in a meaningful and visible way.
Graduating seniors who meet certain milestones in blood donation or volunteerism are eligible to receive a special red cord to wear at their commencement ceremony. Students who donate blood at least twice during their high school years (typically in their junior and senior years) receive a solid red cord. Those who take on a more active role, such as organizing or promoting a blood drive and recruiting donors, receive a red and white cord. Some students even earn both, reflecting their strong commitment to supporting the blood supply and their peers.
“Students feel like it’s an opportunity to do something and be acknowledged for it,” said Karen Hendryk, head of donor recruitment at SBC. “There are a lot of really good feelings behind it that ultimately culminate into helping save someone’s life.”
In its inaugural year, the Red Cord Program has already made a significant impact, with more than 1,300 students receiving a solid red cord and over 150 earning a red and white one. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, not just from students but from school communities excited to see young people being celebrated for their service.
The Red Cord Program complements SBC’s existing Scholarship Program, providing another avenue for students to engage in and be recognized for their support of blood donation. Together, these programs encourage a culture of giving among young people, and help ensure a steady blood supply for patients in need.
To learn more or to get your school involved, please visit our website.