At the American Red Cross’s blood drive for students and staff, approximately 30 people donated blood in room 601 on Nov. 15. As a result of all the recent hurricanes and mass shootings, there is a severe shortage of blood.
Additionally, the holiday season always has a small turnout for donors, creating a vast blood drought. With a limited blood supply, organizations like Red Cross are unable to aid people if tragedy strikes. Participating in local blood drives is a way to directly help people locally and worldwide.
“We are one of the central lines in which multiple hospitals get their blood supply,” ARC Cabinet member Junior Tiffany Cai said. “Not only does the blood from the students and staff get distributed to the hospitals, but one pint can save three lives which makes a huge difference when it comes to natural disasters like Hurricane Harvey and Irma.”
The American Red Cross Club has been holding blood drives for over 15 years. Many times in the past, students were eligible to donate, but didn’t attend the event because it was held at the district office. This year was successful because the event was conveniently at school, making it very accessible for students. Having the blood drive in 601 allowed for donors to participate any time from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Anyone who missed a class for the blood drive was excused for their absence.
Students commonly donated one whole pint of blood. However, Senior Thomas Tanakun participated in the Power Red donation, which takes two units of red blood cells. The plasma and platelets are returned back into the donor by the use of a special machine. This process is much more demanding, as it results in red blood cells which are used most frequently.
“The Power Red took about double the length in time since they take out your blood, extract the cells and inject your plasma along with saline back into your body,” Tanakun said. “The second half of the donation you get really cold from the saline.”
The ARC club on campus organizes two blood drives a year, and is currently planning an upcoming blood drive during the second semester. Club members are responsible for helping with the organization, advertising and informing students on how to donate.
To donate blood, people 19 years or older must weigh at least 110 pounds. For ages 16 through 18, there are specific height to weight requirements which are available on the ARC website. If uneligible, students can still help by recruiting other donors, or by participating in any of Red Cross’ volunteer services.
TCHS School Newspaper