While some distance themselves and hide in fear of needles or the sight of blood, others are more than willing to give up theirs.
Tuesday, October 7th was the the annual Blood Drive. Room 4-104 was packed with approximately 350 chiefs, though not all of them qualified to donate a pint of their blood.
Debbie Darrow, Manager of Donor Recruitment and long time donor herself, explains how “it’s truly the gift of life.”
Students like Shirley Garcia, who’s grandmother passed away from cancer, and Genesis Flores, a second time donor, were worthy to participate for the cause.
Not only does your blood type benefit cancer patients, sickle-cell anemia, or anyone in need, but it cleanses your blood stream as well; oneblood.org goes into depth on how it benefits heart disease. Last year, nearly 13,000 pints were donated to oneblood and hopefully more will be accumulated this year.
The process is quite simple, a physical is given to check your iron, temperature, cholesterol and blood pressure as well as a short questionnaire to find out if you have traveled out of the country recently or if you take medication. The FDA also requires that all donors must be at least 16 years of age.
There have been numerous awards appointed to students over the years and Santaluces High is the highest donated school in Palm Beach County according Mr. Krupa, a fellow donor himself.
Five hours are awarded to each student post donating and so are scholarships; $20 are placed in a fund for the students each time they donate, so the more you donate the more money for college, as well as hours, you accumulate.
“I’m not scared, I just do it, hours is just a bonus,” said Don Pierre-Louis, junior.
Another blood drive is scheduled for December.
