January is National Blood Donor Month, and just in time for it, OH Student Council Adviser counselor Jacob Cafaro and the OH student council members set up a blood drive with Versiti (a local, nonprofit organization) in the small gym. The drive ran from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Jan. 19, 2024.
“[We] usually set them up this time of year to help students through the winter, to help them break the routine of just only going to class,” Cafaro said.
Posters around the school had a QR code that took students to a Google form, allowing them to set up an appointment for the class period they want to donate. There was also an email sent out with a link to the appointment form.
“It’s a great opportunity for students to give back to the community without much effort, energy, or time,” said Cafaro.
Many students even enjoyed donating, saying how great it felt to help and be a part of someone’s life for the better.
“I think it’s for a good cause… As long as I can help out,” said junior Isabella Delgado.
Students who set up their appointment had a Student Council member come down and hand them a pass around 20 minutes before their set time. When students made it down to the gym, they signed in, checked in with a Versiti volunteer, and filled out a quick questionnaire.
From there, soon-to-be donors waited until another volunteer called them over and they conducted a quick physical, checking the donor’s heart rate, hemoglobin, height, and weight. Most students are able to reach the requirements to donate.
“I want to help, I like giving blood,” said senior Clair Arndt, who has donated at every OH blood drive this school year.
If someone is scared of going alone, offer to go with them or ask a group of friends or a family member to go with them.
“I want to help other people, my family usually donates together,” senior Emma Ruszkowski said.
People often hesitate on why they should donate, believing that it’s dangerous or their blood is not needed. Not only are all blood types needed but there is no risk in donating.
There are a few ways to get ready for a blood donation if one’s planning on donating. According to the American Red Cross, eating, resting, and drinking plenty of fluids before donating are the best ways to make sure the donor is feeling their best.
If anyone is still nervous about not meeting the iron requirements, iron supplements are always available over the counter in pharmacies and stores.
There is always a place to donate, too. A quick search online on where to find a drive, the American Red Cross’s website, or even a visit to Versiti can give more information on how and where to find a donation center.
If donating altogether isn’t an option, bringing awareness to drives, donating to blood drive organizations, and even hosting a drive is as helpful as giving blood.
Amazing article!! I love to see the participation surrounding the Blood Drive:)
I LOVE it! Love to see an important topic with a well written article!
Great article Mel! Thanks to everyone who donated blood 🙂