Kenwood High School’s annual Blood Drive returned March 27 and is gave all students and staff the chance to help save a life with their blood donation. Two dozen staff and students signed up to participate.
The Blood Drive is hosted by the American Red Cross and was organized by KHS’s National Honor Society. They ask for willing donors to donate a pint of blood. Each pint of blood donated could potentially save up to 3 lives for people in need.
All teachers and staff are able to donate but only students over the age of 16 can donate, as long as they have parental consent and haven’t had any recent tattoos or piercings. Anyone can donate blood up to 3 times a year.
Ms. McNulty, who is the National Honor Society, advisor, shares, “We typically hold it in the auditorium, but I have also hosted drives in the MPR. The drive lasts for about 5 hours during the school day and this year we had 20 successful donations! That is potentially 60 lives saved!!”
Though it seems like a great way to help those in need a fear of needles holds some back from participating. David Washington, a junior in Kenwood, was unsure about participating in the blood drive, saying, “I couldn’t donate my blood because I don’t like needles at all. I hate the feeling of them.”
However, junior Karmen Taylor, shared she’d like to participate one day. “I’ve gotten my blood drawn a few times before so I was never really scared of needles.”
Even though getting your blood drawn can be scary, one donation can make a big difference for someone that really needs it. This blood drive gives everyone a chance to help others and support their community. And like Ms. McNulty said, “It costs nothing but your time! A wonderful way to help those in need.”
