Volunteering students line up for check-ins at the PAC foyer as the workers prepare for their donation appointments. On Aug.29-30, 2024, the LifeShare Blood Center held the first of four blood drives of the 2024-2025 school year at the John Thomas Sullivan Performing Arts Center.
Students 16 years or older qualify to donate their blood to LifeShare, as long as they receive parental consent before their donation.
“It’s a very positive experience for almost everyone that donates [blood],” Health Science teacher Joe Nolen said. “There are a few students that get a little bit lightheaded or something like that [while giving their blood], but they always feel good after donating [blood] because they know they’re going to be helping someone else.”
Students must take precautions before donating their blood to ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible.
“I always just make sure to eat a well balanced meal, and get rest,” senior Kynlee Flippen said.
Participation in the blood drives helps ill people and those in need, as well as the donor. Multiple scholarship opportunities will be distributed to select students who donate, along with graduation cords given by LifeShare.
“We do the blood drive so we can get the units that we need to put on our shelves for hospital services,” LifeShare worker Nina Anderson said. “[Another reason why donating is beneficial] is because the Life Scholar Program leads to honor cords and potential scholarships for students.”
Although most students may feel nervous leading up to the blood donation process, junior Ke’Mia Perkins triumphed through her fear of donating, and put the needs of the people around her in front of the fear she may face along the way.
“One day it could be you [that may need the blood that’s being donated,” Perkins said. “That’s why I would recommend giving blood.”
