HHS’s Student Senate is holding its fall blood drive again this year, and they need you to donate! The drive will be held on Wednesday, October 23rd, in the gymnasium.
Blood donation is very important right now, as the American Red Cross had a blood shortage over the summer, and they need donations to avoid falling into another one. The Red Cross says that more than 100 blood drives were canceled because of Hurricane Helene, leaving thousands of donations uncollected. Donating blood is one of the greatest things one can do to help others; a single donation can save up to three lives! Millions of people suffering from various medical conditions need blood transfusions to live “normal” lives, or to survive at all. Some of these conditions include sickle cell disease, anemia, hemophilia, certain liver disorders, and emergency blood loss due to injury or surgery.
There are specific criteria to be eligible to donate. In addition to general requirements like being in good health, you must be at least 16 years old with parental consent, weigh a minimum of 110 lbs, and you cannot have donated blood within the past 56 days. The exact guidelines can be found in the Red Cross’s Information for Young Blood Donors. Donations are open during the first, second, and third blocks, as long as you sign up before the deadline.
To sign up, scan the QR code on the Student Senate’s posters around the school or fill out this form. Students who are 16 should obtain a parental consent form from a Student Senate officer during lunch or from the front office. Your absence from class will count as excused.
The donation process will go as follows:
Students will receive an email with the time they are scheduled to donate and are recommended to set a reminder for a few minutes before their appointment. They should go to the gymnasium at their assigned time where they will meet with a Red Cross worker who will walk them through the process and ensure their eligibility to donate. Students may need an ID to prove their age, and those who are 16 will need a consent form signed by a parent or guardian. They will then see a trained professional, known as a phlebotomist, who will draw their blood.
It is recommended to get a good night’s sleep the night before (at least eight hours) and to eat a healthy meal before donating. Remember to drink plenty of water in the days surrounding the donation, as this can help alleviate dizziness and lightheadedness afterward.
The Student Senate hopes to beat last year’s donation numbers. This year, if just 63 people donate, they will surpass last year’s fall total and save a possible 189 lives.
