Why You Should Participate in the Blood Drive

Desmond Hutchins -

Student Council is sponsoring a Blood Drive at South this Friday, April 11 from 8:00 to 12:45. Should you donate? I’m writing this article to convince you that you should!

Here's what you need to know:

  1. You can donate if you're a sophomore, junior, or senior.
  2. Here’s the sign up.
  3. 16 year olds need a permission slip, which you can find here.
  4. Make sure to drink plenty of water beforehand.
  5. Eat a healthy dinner the night before and breakfast on donation day.
  6. Bring your ID, (School ID or Driver’s License).

Here’s why you should participate:

First, blood donations save lives. A donation from one person can be enough to help multiple people who are in need of a blood transfusion. In fact, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 5 million people pass away each year due to a lack of safe blood transfusions. Additionally, according to the Red Cross, only 3% of age-eligible donors actually ever donate blood, which is a sadly low percentage. So, by donating you are not only improving that 3% but also can save some of those 5 million annual deaths per year.

Second, although it’s main purpose is to help those in need, you are compensated. You will get drinks and snacks before and after you donate. This is to account for the blood and iron loss. On top of that, you get to skip at least part of class, (albeit mine back in February was during my lunch hour, but I was just unlucky) and let’s be real—most of us would probably favor having an excuse to miss part of class any day.

Lastly, if you’re worried about something like “Well, what if I'm not in shape or I'm not super healthy?” Well, guess what? It doesn’t matter! You don’t have to be a D1 athlete to donate. As long as you’re blood eligible, and don’t have any contradicting health problems, you can donate! So you should! Based on Red Cross data, around 38% of Americans can donate blood, but only 3% actually do so! Which you can see from this handy dandy pie chart for simplicity.

Now, if all that wasn’t enough to give you enough evidence on why it’s a good idea, I had the opportunity to talk to Laney Martin, a sophomore HOSA member (which also sponsors blood drives at South) who shared some facts on why donating is a good idea.

“Why should someone donate blood?

Did you know a single pint of your blood can be the difference between life and death for patients in need? By donating blood, you’re not only helping others, you also get some great benefits!

  • A free mini check-up, including knowing your blood type!
  • A chance to step out of class and take a well-deserved break!
  • The incredible feeling of knowing you’ve made a real impact!

It’s quick, easy, and life-saving. Take just 20 minutes to make a difference, because every drop counts!

So, consider donating in the upcoming blood drive or any future ones because of all the benefits of it, whether it be to yourself or others, like saving others or getting to skip some class time. So hopefully, you'll be seen there!