On March 8, Vitalant came to Lakeland High School to have high school students donate blood.
This is an excellent experience for these students. By deciding to donate blood, students can make a difference in someone’s life.
“I was a little scared but also very excited because this is my first time giving blood,” Amanda Olson said.
According to Vitalant, someone in the US needs blood every two seconds.
By donating blood, someone is having their life extended.
“The ultimate goal of the blood drive is to educate students and to hopefully support local hospitals because the blood donated here stays local,” Audrey Lewis said.
Lewis is the Account Manager for Vitalant.
Even though the needle is intimidating, the split-second pinch is better than it may seem.
Plus, who would not want to skip classes for two hours and eat snacks while saving someone’s life? It is more than just getting out of class.
“We have about eighty-five students signed up to give blood,” Frank Viera said.
LHS has been hosting this event for thirty years. National Honors Society does this to allow students to donate blood and rack up volunteer hours for themselves. The jobs that the NHS does are to run notes to bring patients down to get blood drawn, walk them back, sign them in, and greet them at the door with smiling faces.
This also looks great on applications as a volunteering activity.
“We also visit many other schools around the area,” Lewis said.
It is unfortunate for some people because they may not meet the requirements for donating, which is sad but is also for the safety of the donation patient and the receiver of the blood.
The basic requirements, according to Vitalant, are being at least sixteen years old, weighing at least one hundred and ten pounds, being in good general health and eating within two hours before donation.
Having a blood deficiency holds the patient back from giving blood because it is unsafe for them to give blood. This includes iron deficiencies, anemia and bleeding disorders like Haemophilia.
Haemophilia is a blood disorder that causes issues with proper blood clotting and abnormal bleeding. Anemia is when the body does not produce enough red blood cells.
“I had so much fun, I recommend doing it,” Sarah Smith said.
Not only does it help the community, but it also helps create memories for everyone involved.
This is also an easy way to become involved with the community and help others.
