[WHAC] UM-Dearborn's Charbonneau Making a Difference with Red Cross

DEARBORN, Mich. - (UM-Dearborn Release) - Melissa Charbonneau, a member of the University of Michigan-Dearborn softball team, recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to participate in the American Red Cross Collegiate Leadership Program.  She is one of three participants this year from the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC joining Juan Jaramillo of Lawrence Tech and Nyla Greer of Madonna).

The program provides student-athletes with the opportunity to develop leadership skills and inspire a new generation of volunteers by organizing blood drives for their classmates and community. Charbonneau's experience began with training, mentoring and networking during a two-week internship at Red Cross headquarters in Washington. Charbonneau also received a $2,000 scholarship for participating in the program. 

To make an appointment or to learn more, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Completion of a RapidPass® online health history questionnaire is encouraged to help speed up the donation process. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App. A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.