Why Blood Donation is Important
According to the American Red Cross, about 38% of the United States population is eligible for blood donation, but only 10% actually donate. Even though this is a small number, a large amount of blood is in demand every day. This association also states that during winter months, blood donations fall very small due to the extreme weather and climate. Everyone should consider donating if they are eligible because roughly every two seconds, a person in the United States needs blood, and one blood donation can save up to three lives.
Once blood is donated, it is separated into three main components, those being red cells, platelets, and plasma. Each one of these do different things to help those in need. Plasma is processed and helps control the risk of bleeding. Red blood cells and platelets go through a process in which the white blood cells are removed to reduce the possibility of a reaction to a transfusion. Next, a blood transfusion occurs to those who need it most, being those in serious injuries, surgeries, childbirth, cancer treatments, and much more.
National Honor Society held an American Red Cross Blood Drive on March 18th, 2019 in the high school gymnasium. The drive had over 30 donors, which exceeded the organization’s goal of 25. There was an overall great outcome from both students and the community.
Leo Club will host a blood drive in January of 2020. The drive will also be hosted by the American Red Cross, with sponsorship of the Leo Club and volunteer hours from members of the club. It will be held at the Jefferson Fire Hall.
Most students do not see themselves as eligible for blood donation because of age or lack of availability. The truth is that student donors tend to be the best donors. If a student gives blood for the first time when they’re 17 or 18, they are more likely to continue to donate for the rest of their lives. On the other hand, those in their adult life who donate for the first time will not have donated as much in their lifetime as those younger. The younger generation is the start to a new era in donating blood.
The other issue typically for students donors is where to donate. For Jefferson-Morgan students, the easiest place to donate is at the blood drive conducted during the school day. For others, though it may not be as easy. One can easily go to the Red Cross website, www.redcrossblood.org, and type in their zip code to find out when and where a blood drive is being held in their area.
During the 2019/2020, the school will be having two blood drives conducted through organizations. There will be a Leo Club blood drive in December of 2019, while the annual National Honor Society blood drive will be conducted in March of 2020. Keep a look out for postings on the marquee, on the school calendar, and via JM EBlast.
Makenzie Wright is a senior and a second year Journalism student, serving as an editor-in-chief.
Makenzie is a participant in both volleyball and basketball....
