Health Sciences partners with Red Cross for blood drive

Posted May 30, 2023

By Kim Phan

Opinions Editior

The Health Sciences’ Blood Drive partnered with the American Red Cross on May 12, which was a hot day and not the ideal setting to welcome many first-timers. But even so, everything went fairly well. It attracted lots of students who did blood donations and helped save lives. 

Initially, there were about 55 to 60 spots available for students to sign, and efforts were made to reach that goal. However, as objectives and thresholds were exceeded, the quota kept rising, eventually reaching 60 out of 65 filled spots. Although there were some who signed up but ended up canceling their appointment, it was a success nonetheless. 

It was reported that there were increased pulse rates and low blood pressure found in many donors.  Even in the most extreme cases, some donors experienced fainting spells, but there was nothing a little sitting and some snacks couldn't fix. Outside the South Boardroom, check-in stations were set up for the procedure. Alongside them were student volunteers from the Health Sciences classes who assisted in escorting donors as they underwent the transfusion procedure and had their blood drawn.

Additionally, there was a room set up nearby with juices and snacks for donors to relax in after giving blood. This system of organizing the drive ensured that any patients experiencing negative side effects could receive prompt assistance. Many believe that the warm weather that day played a role in this. This blood drive was unique in its own right compared to the one held in November because more people were experiencing weather-related side effects. 

High school-hosted blood drives take place all over the country and save many lives. This gives high school students the opportunity to make a difference while also ensuring how important it is to donate blood since it could save many lives. 

Someone needs a blood transfusion every two seconds, and all they need is a tiny bit of blood. That effort to save lives is made possible by those who donate their blood. The American Red Cross has grown to be the nation's largest peacetime health initiative. And today, a lot of people can contribute to those efforts by simply donating some of their blood. It’s obviously something that everyone has enough of to go around.