The blood drive occurred on Nov. 19th and was set up and run by the National Honor Society’s board. This blood drive was to help the Red Cross get the blood they need for others and students who signed up and were eligible for it donated. Once signed up, the board members gave them a simple question sheet to fill out and answer the required questions in order to be deemed valid.
Following that, the students were seated in an area to wait for the Red Cross workers to call them up. Once called up, blood pressure and iron levels were taken and if both were of adequate levels then the procedure continued. They were then guided towards the medical beds where they were seated and asked essential questions throughout the way.
The staff members then fastened an armband around the arm of the student’s choice and gave them a soft foam grip to squeeze. This was done in order for blood circulation to increase and so that some veins could appear. When the veins appeared, the needle was inserted and the main process began. It took around five minutes and students were told to keep rolling the foam grip in order for blood to keep circulating.
Finally when completed, one of the board members guided the students over to the mat, where they were told to wait for 15 minutes until leaving. This protocol is for safety so students do not faint in the hallways unsupervised.
While this process seems extensive, it’s for an excellent cause. According to the Red Cross, “About 62% of the U.S. population is eligible to give blood but only about 3% donates. The American Red Cross must collect enough blood every day to meet the needs of accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer, or sickle cell disease.” There is always a demand for blood, as everyone needs it.
That being said, it does not only help people around the country, it helps the people in our community. Quincey Wilson, Secretary of Woodhaven High School’s National Honor Society, said it best, “I think the blood drive is one of the best opportunities the NHS provides. It allows the entire school an accessible way to get involved and the opportunity to help save lives in our community.”
Next time the blood drive comes to WHS, make sure you sign up and attempt to give blood, as it only takes a couple of minutes of your time, but it can affect someone else’s entire life.
