Interact Club hosted its bi-annnual blood drive, with students and staff taking time out of their days to donate blood and save lives. This event took place in the small gym with appointments starting at 8 A.M. and some ending around 1 P.M. Over this five hour time frame, many members of Bay Shore decided to take time out of their schedules in order to donate.
“I believe it was around 55 to 60 people who donated or tried to donate,” said Nataly Quituizaca, a senior who was the student coordinator for this year’s spring blood drive.
Although the blood drive took place for only one day, the planning began weeks before. According to Jacquelyn Mason, the school nurse, the planning began about one month prior to the actual Blood Drive and included her, students, and other staff. That time period included emailing staff who are involved, setting up the bulletin board outside the Health Office, hanging posters, planning daily announcements and scheduling student volunteers. The New York Blood Center and their team also helped facilitate the event. Trained professionals safely perform the blood donations and provide the students with the necessary information about the drive.
“A rep from the NY Blood Center came to the high school prior to the Blood Drive and spoke in many of the health classes to educate students about the benefits of donating blood and answered any questions and concerns,” said Mason. “The NY Blood Center staff handles all aspects of each blood donation on the day of the drive.”
With the help of the organizers and the team from the NY Blood Center, students are instructed on how to properly participate.
“Before donating I had a smoothie for breakfast and made sure to drink lots of water the day before and morning of my appointment,” said junior Chloe Kinirons. “After donating I felt a little dizzy but nothing too intense. I think I felt okay because I made sure to hydrate and eat well to prepare my body beforehand and replenish it afterwards.”
There are many precautions put in place to ensure the health and safety of the donors, making them more likely to come back and donate again.
“[I have donated] at least twenty [times] and my first time donating was when I was a student in high school also,” said Mason.
School blood drives not only help collect blood donations for those who need it immediately; they also help find loyal donors who will continue to donate in the future. This is such an important factor to consider because blood drives are a crucial part of health care. The Red Cross states that every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. This number simply would not be able to be maintained if it wasn’t for the help of volunteers like the ones at the high school, who are giving up their time to help others.
“There is a constant need for blood and blood products due to surgeries, cancer treatments, burn victims and traumatic injuries. Blood can not be manufactured, so blood donations are the only source for people needing blood,” said Mason.
Those who donate blood provide a necessary service to all those around them.
“A major motivator for my decision to donate blood was knowing that my donation has the possibility of saving up to three lives,” said Kinirons. “I believe that while I am young and healthy, I should do what I can to help people who are not as fortunate as myself.”
The size of this year’s Blood Drive, with over 60 people signed up, represents the strong community at Bay Shore of helpful contributions to society.
“Donating blood is one of the greatest gifts you can give to another person,” said Mason.
