Every two seconds someone needs a blood transfusion…
The blood drive is back! StuCo is hosting another blood drive on November 22nd. Each year there is a goal, this year its 46 pints of blood. They meet their goal every year and want this year to be no different. StuCo Members want to achieve this goal once again, but they need our help.
The first part of the goal is to have 71 people signed up. “Because not all 71 will be able to give blood; something will come up,” StuCo Adviser Mrs. Schmid said. Not all students are eligible and this severely limits donors. To donate one must be 17 years or older , unless one has parental consent (in which case they can be 16) . But even withing these statutes there are still some more limitations pertaining to height and weight. Here’s how the height and weight limits go:
Guys: Girls:
4’10’’ 120 lbs 5’1’’ 133 lbs
4’11’’ 115 lbs 5’2’’ 129 lbs
5’ and up 110 lbs 5’3’’ 124 lbs
5’4’’ 118 lbs
5’5’’ 115 lbs
5’6’’ 110 lbs
As you can see, there are a lot of restrictions so anyone that can sign up, needs to. The Red Cross is in serious need of blood. There is a greater need for blood than what just your adults can supply; they need student help too. One can sign up for the blood drive at lunches until the 71 slots are filled. The actual drive itself is on November 22nd and will be from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm.
There will be a second blood drive in March that you can participate in if this doesn’t work out for you. But everyone should really try and come out to give blood. Only 3 out of 100 adults in the United States give blood.
According to the Red Cross, “plasma from your donation is replaced within about 24 hours.” That isn’t that long; but if you’ve given blood in the past 8 weeks you can’t give again. It takes your red cells 4-6 weeks to replenish after you’ve given blood.
A single person’s donation of blood can help up to 3 people. Just one person can make a difference and potentially save three people’s lives. Now if the whole blood taking process is making you nervous, here’s how it goes step by step.
First they check your iron levels with a prick of a finger. Then, a volunteer will ask you questions about your medical history (like a mini-physical). If you qualify to give blood then they will seat you and start taking your blood. The entire process takes around 10-15 minutes and when you’re done you get some juice and cookies.
The process is simple and not that hard to do. If you think you can give blood you should try to! StuCo member Kelsey Avey ‘13 said, “Well, I have a major fear of needles, but I think this year I may just face my fears and try it!” People need to sign up for those who can’t. “Unfortunately, my petite size does not fit the requirements so i am unable to donate. I encourage everyone to sign up and make up for the blood I am not able to give,”Brittany Arthur ’13, StuCo Secretary commented.
Every year StuCo has a great turn out; this year needs to be the same! Sign up at lunch and make a difference. The blood you give could save lives. Think about it and sign up!
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