Do you want to save a life? Well GHS does. On Wednesday, Nov. 20 Student Council hosted their first blood drive of the year, in the upper gym.
All blood donated goes to the Versiti Blood Bank, and last year it was used for recent crash victims and this year GHS plans on saving more lives. They hoped that 35-40 students would donate or at least sign up because usually 5-7 get turned away.
This year the weight requirements needed for donating are different from previous years, it’s now based on a person’s weight related to height. For example, if you’re a 4”10 female, you must be at least 146 lbs but if you’re a 5”6 female you must be 110 lbs. For a 4”10 male you must be 120 lbs. It’s important to make sure that you fit in these requirements before getting your blood taken to make sure your body can handle this and everything will go smoothly.
“To contribute I came in early, and I made all the slides for advisory and the posters you see hanging around,” Senior student council member Emilia Anders said. “I think that it is so important for other people to help and donate their blood if they meet the criteria because I personally have known people in need of blood.”
Lots of first time blood donors are often nervous, but Student Council Jeff Schaetske advisor has some advice,
“If you’re nervous about donating, you’re not alone. It feels like you’re getting a shot, so yes a needle, but then after that you sit and wait for about 7-8 minutes and they will tell you when they’ve got your blood,”
“After that it’s about 30 minutes of eating and drinking snacks to make sure you have your blood sugar back. I’m always a little nervous, but it feels good to donate (and I never look at the tube with my blood going into the bag!)It’s a great way to donate something that isn’t money and that feels good to help,” He added.
Other students who have gotten their blood taken agree.
“I’ve donated my blood to school every year I could and I feel like it’s just the right thing to do. I’ve done it twice before and it’s not as bad as everyone thinks, if you just don’t look you won’t even feel it,” senior Olivia Hughes said.
Some students who are first time blood donors have a similar outlook.
“I donated blood to benefit people in need. This was my first time, but I feel confident and happy that I am because I feel like I’m giving back. It went really well, and I had a good experience and everyone was really nice,” junior Zane Morris said.
