Students Save Lives Through Blood Donation
Despite fluorescent lights flashing on and off, a nurse piercing skin with a needle, and a potential risk of passing out, students and staff took the risks to help save lives on April 4 during the biannual blood drive hosted by the National Honor Society.
Some may believe the best part of giving blood is missing class and eating snacks, but students at Parkway North understand the impact of donating blood.
“I think NHS keeps hosting blood drives because it’s a great event for everyone to get involved in. Each person that donates blood saves 3 lives, and we always get at least 100 people to donate each year,” said senior Kyle Liggins, who has worked at the blood drive and donated blood since his junior year.
Students sign up for a time to donate, and then on the day of the blood drive go to the upper gym to donate blood. Donors get a mini-physical, and then donate their blood if they’re eligible. The experience for a lot of people is smooth, but some may feel the need to faint.
“[The experience] was fine until when I got up and passed out. Luckily, someone was able to catch me before I hit the ground. It was a scary,” said senior Andy Zhang.
Even before the drive even happens, the members of NHS has to work hard to bring it together through teamwork and careful planning.
“It’s a lot of planning and a lot of work. I won’t say that it’s difficult; it’s just time consuming. The hardest part of the drive honestly, is the lunch shifts where we have people sign up for the blood drive,” said senior Elizabeth Berson, who is in charge of the blood drive this year.
Benson began working with the blood drive because she comes from a family who stresses the importance of helping others. She said, “I come from a family with doctors and nurses, and public health is a part of my values. I thought it would be a really neat thing to be in charge of something so great like giving blood at the high school.”
NHS members also work on the day of the blood drive as well.
“I’ve been a part of the blood drive by working during the blood drive. I usually just walk around and make sure everyone feels okay and help people from the donating station to the resting area,” said Liggins.
But no matter how someone participates, blood donations are always needed for those who need blood during transfusions.
“To me, the blood drive means giving something to someone who really needs it. If there is any way to help, I’m happy to give my time,” said Liggins.
by Gabrielle Redfield, Writing Wizard