With support from the American Red Cross, students at the high school were given an opportunity to give blood in the school’s auxiliary gym on February 27.
Throughout the school day, students 16 years of age and older who had parent permission could participate in the blood drive to donate to hospitals and other health centers.
Senior Hailey Culp donated because she felt that she should give to those who need it.
“If I need to get blood, you want to have access to it,” Culp said, “so I just feel it’s helpful and if you’re physically able to do it, it’s something that you should do.”
According to senior Rohit Thomas, he believes that donating blood “would surely put a smile on my face.”
Blood drive organizer Karin Clark hopes that the drive will inspire students to donate more blood in the future, and to continue to help others out of the kindness of their hearts.
“This could spearhead a lifelong donation process so that you could be exponentially saving so many people’s lives,” Clark said.
Clark first came up with the blood drive while teaching anatomy classes. Clark said that it made sense to “look at the impact of donating blood to other people.”
“It kind of made sense to offer that to students and staff as a way to give back to the community,” Clark said.
The event was sponsored by the American Red Cross and according to Clark, the Red Cross makes sure to notify the donors where their blood has been received.
Donors often appreciate knowing where their blood is going because it allows donors to know that they helped people in need.
“It’s a cool way that the American Red Cross lets you know that your blood makes a difference in someone’s life,” Clark said.
According to Clark, the body will regenerate the blood cells within a couple of months, so the donors are giving “a free gift of life” to the receivers and it “doesn’t even cost anything.”
Some students were intimidated by the experience because it was their first time donating blood.
Several students were also worried about the needles being used.
“I was a little nervous because I am a little afraid of needles,” sophomore Lilly Scargill said.
According to Scargill, she felt she accomplished something after the experience and she was proud of herself for donating.
Clark hopes that students can continue to overcome their fears in order to help others.
“I hope that the scariness goes away for students and that one hour that you donate blood can save three people’s lives,” Clark said.
For others, it is not their first time donating blood.
Thomas donated for the blood drive last year.
Culp also said that she was familiar with the process.
“I’ve gotten my blood drawn before a lot for tests and stuff,” Culp said.
According to Clark, the school is a good place to donate because it is “a safe environment” where students are comfortable and familiar with the space.
Donors also received rewards for donating.
This year, every donor got a $15 gift card to thank them for their time and contributions.
There were also snacks and refreshments for them after they donated and while they were waiting to leave.
Many donors expressed that they will continue to donate blood in the future, with their good experiances under their belts.
“[I will] 100% donate again,” Scargill said. ”I hope I made a difference.”