For years Red Cross Blood Drive has been an important way to offer students and teachers the ability to give back to their community. It provides an easy way to donate and give back to those in need. 

“There’s a lot of blood shortage in our community,” health science teacher Christi Virts said.

As the organizer of the blood drive, Virts knows first-hand how many people really need blood. Every year Virts and the HOSA group set a goal for the fall blood drive. This year’s goal was to reach 40 units total. Unfortunately, they were able to collect only 33 units, but Virts said those contributing in the blood drive call that a success. She said many people had to be turned away because they did not reach the requirements. She said 64 people came to donate their blood, and they mostly consisted of first-time donors. Several teachers donated, including Mr. Mayes, Mr. Achenbach, Mrs. Marcum, Mrs. Goodman, and Mrs. Virts herself. 

There are several steps involved in getting blood drawn, including the preparation and the after care. First and most importantly, eating a good breakfast and hydrating often is essential. Then, arriving in the STEM building, students are told to go to the questionnaire station to answer questions about how they are feeling, how much they weigh, and getting their vitals checked. After answering the questions and getting approved to donate, students are guided to chairs and prepared to donate. Finally, they donate blood and receive snacks and juice to provide them some sustenance. The process lasts about 10 minutes.

Junior Caimbrie Brost shares her insight to how the blood drive went from a student’s perspective. Brost has been a member of HOSA for three years, but this year was the first time she was able to contribute to the blood drive. She assisted in serving donor snacks and juice. Other HOSA members signed students in and guided them to the questionnaire station. 

“I think it’s really cool that students are willing to step up and give their blood because it’s kind of an uncomfortable thing,” Brost said.

For first-time donors, the experience of getting blood drawn can be nerve-wracking. Fortunately, teachers, students, and Red Cross members create an environment where it is unnecessary to be scared. They help put those who are nervous at ease.

“It was also exciting to just know the lives that will be impacted,” Brost said.