For more information, contact: Scott Clark, Media & Public Relations 254-724-9724 sdclark@swmail.sw.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 25, 2008

Killeen school district starts annual Blood War in April
- High schools compete to increase blood donations, raise awareness -

KILLEEN, Texas – Lives are on the line, and local high schools are competing for the fourth year in a row from April 1 through May 9 to see which campus can tally the most blood donations in that time period for an event that benefits local patients.

The Scott & White Blood Center is teaming with the Killeen Independent School District for the annual Blood War.

All the blood donated at the Scott & White Blood Center stays in the community to help local patients in need.

“The Blood War fosters healthy competition, boosts school spirit and also creates lifelong donors,” said Scott & White Blood Donor Recruitment Manager Jennifer Roden. “Our youth are actively seeking ways to make a difference, and this is an excellent opportunity.”

Roden estimates that blood collected during the past years’ competitions have touched more than 550 lives. Ellison High School, which won the initial contest in 2005, won for a second time in last year’s competition. Killeen and Harker Heights tied for the win in 2006.

More than just bragging rights go to the winner. The victorious school gets an engraved champion’s trophy from the Scott & White Blood Center to display. Individual donors receive a commemorative Blood War T-shirt, a squeezie, and the chance to win a $200 gift card shopping spree donated by First Community Title.

The special contest requires more than just the students’ participation to earn victory. Parents, teachers, alumni and community members are invited to participate by giving blood for their team. Donors can give blood between April 1 and May 9 at any Scott & White mobile drive or at the Scott & White Blood Center located on the first floor of the hospital in Temple.

Blood drives are set for the following dates:

• Tuesday, April 1: Harker Heights High School, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Friday, April 4: Ellison High School, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Monday, April 28: Killeen High School, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Friday, May 9: Shoemaker High School, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

For more information or for additional blood drive locations in the Killeen, Belton and Temple area, please call 254-724-HERO (4376) or 877-724-HERO (4376).

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