Donate Blood to Save a Life: GHS in Action

Recently, Montana has been battling a shortage of blood in hospitals. That is why the American Red Cross visited Gallatin High School on October 26, 2023, collecting blood donations by high school students and staff. The donors were students ranging from sophomores to seniors and staff. 

The local Red Cross reported GHS’s success to Ms. Drahos: “There were 48 present blood donors and 36 full blood units collected. As a total, Gallatin High School will be providing 108 lifesaving products for use in hospitals on November 27, 2023.” Gallatin High School truly showed up for the blood drive and here is how it went:

For some background information, Ms. Drahos, the coordinator of the blood drive, and  HOSA student body officers set up a time and date for the American Red Cross to stop  at Gallatin High School for  its 3rd year running. The graduating seniors were prioritized in the blood drive, and then shifted into students ages 16 and older. All students between the age 16-18 need parent permission to participate in the drive. 

The process of blood donation is as follows: first, donors check in and are interviewed on their general health and vital signs. Afterward, information is gathered to get an estimate on the majority of red blood cells in good condition to ensure there is donatable blood, since most of the blood would be transferred to Great Falls to separate to donatable units. After that it is distributed around the region. To begin donating blood, an IV is inserted to the donor and a pump to collect the blood. Once the donor is ready, that is when the pumping begins. It usually takes a couple of minutes to squeeze a pint of blood, the average amount taken per donation. One of our blood donors, Junior Audrey Kimmel, stated her purpose for donating blood as, “Saving lives and contributing to our society is important.” Many other donors shared Kimmel’s motivation of contributing to society.

After the donation, a recovery session is required to make sure no one passes out or falls into any unprecedented illness. This is where some of our HOSA volunteers help monitor the donors. Snacks and drinks are on hand, as it is crucial to regain all the electrolytes and vitamins from donating. The blood is sent to different laboratories so it can be separated and checked to see if it is applicable for donation. 

Ms. Drahos shared the fall blood drive results with Seniors and Juniors both tied with 12 donatable units each, the staff with 10, and finally, the sophomores with 2 units. Everyone did great, and all in all, these events are an excellent example of how HOSA students develop leadership skills and learn to serve the community through blood donations. According to the American Red Cross, as every 2 seconds passes, a person in the United States needs a blood transfusion. With so much needed material, donations are one of the most optimal ways to serve the community. Until researchers and scientists can create artificially safe blood for transfusions, the nation is required to use blood donations to treat diseases and injuries in the range of cancer, burns, traumas, and chronic diseases. And with that, many lives will be impacted with just a simple donation from individuals. Your next chance to save a life will be HOSA’s next blood drive on April 24th, 2024.