Dr. Elmer Degowin, a pioneer in blood research and professor at the University of Iowa, established the first blood bank west of the Mississippi River here in Iowa City in 1938. Almost 90 years later, the DeGowin Blood Center partners each year with City High’s Interact Club to host multiple yearly blood drives, with several students participating in each.
The blood collected in this drive, as with many donations at the DeGowin Blood Center, goes straight to local patients either at the University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center or the Stead Family Children’s Hospital. The spring 2026 drive set a new record of donor registrations, with 34 registrations and 26 collected units.
“I decided to come and donate blood today because I just felt like it was important to use the resources that I have,” Annika Batten ‘27 said. “I felt like ‘Why not? Why shouldn’t I just do it?’ because I know it can help a lot of people.”
Since the blood stays local, it’s easier for donors to see the positive impact they have made on the patients who need the donations and feel proud of what they did.
“It’s a good opportunity to help others, especially those who just need the help right now. If I can get them the help they need now, that’s what I’m going to do,” Stephie Sumaili ‘26 said.
Mandy McClenahan, MA, currently leads the organization that collects the blood from this drive. McClenahan has personally donated 5 gallons of blood in her life. Since each gallon can be split between 24 people, she has changed 120 different people’s lives for the better.
“I have a lot of friends who have received blood, and because I can do it, and because I have kind of a rare blood type, it’s worth it to me. It’s really lifesaving,” McClenahan said.
The students who participated in this donation have supported 26 patients in their recovery, which is a new record for any previous City High blood drives. Generosity is the main motivation for students to donate. Many donors do it simply because they have the ability, and there is always a high demand.
“I just feel like it’s a good thing to do if I can. Some people really need it, and so if I can donate, I want to do so!” Gloria Konu ‘26 said.
The next school-sponsored blood drive will happen in early fall 2026.