Blood drives are a step in helping save lives, the need is constant, and contributions are important for a healthy and reliable blood supply. Students throughout the day on Oct. 7 were given the opportunity to help save lives by participating in the annual blood drive.
“It seemed like a good cause. Blood is needed and I had some to donate, it just made sense,”said senior Xiomara Caldera.
Students who donated their blood knew it was going towards a good cause. Having the blood drive held at our school was a way to get students who don’t have the chance to donate outside of school an opportunity to experience donating blood, and help to save lives as well.
“I feel like this is great for our school to be involved in something like this, because by giving blood we are helping save lives, it’s great that our school is able to say that we did this,” said junior Mckenzie Beyer.
Saving lives is the dominant reason for students giving blood. Passing out as well as feeling light headed and nauseous are all chances you are taking when offering your blood.
“I passed out once, but throughout the day I kept having times when I almost passed out, it was pretty bad,” said Caldera. Everyones bodies react differently to giving blood, some are bad and some aren’t phased at all.
“ I didn’t pass out, I felt fine,” said Beyer.
There are also a percentage of students who are fearful and don’t take part in the annual blood drive for many reasons. The pain and nervousness of the process of donating blood cause students to back out on participating.
“Needles are definitely a phobia of mine. I avoid them at all costs, I get bad anxiety when getting a shot. I can’t imagine getting blood drawn,” said junior Olivia Allen.
Students who committed to giving blood, even as the needle was pricked into their chosen vein, pushed through for the good outcome of the cause.
“I was a little nervous because it was my first time and I was afraid it would hurt, but it wasn’t bad at all. The staff and students made it really easy and a stress free environment,” said Beyer.
The annual blood drive this year was successful in getting more and more students involved in the process of giving blood and taught the importance of how, just by donating, we are able to partake in saving lives and giving to those in need.
“Donating blood saves lives. Blood drives are awesome,” said Caldera.