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December 2000

Students give gift of blood, life during holiday season

The holidays are almost here, which means presents, parties, and more accidents. During the holidays, more people are injured than at any other time of year. Due to the increase in accidents, there is a greater demand for an essential element of life - blood. "I think it’s great that I am able to get out here and help out,” senior, David Frister said. The National Honor Society held a blood drive for the American Red Cross on Dec. 5, 2000. The Honor Society had hoped for at least 170 people to sign up, and over 230 students did - exceeding their expectations.

“It was really neat that a lot of people who didn’t sign up saw everyone giving blood and they wound up donating, too,” Honor Society vice-president Leah Conley commented.

When a person donates blood, they must first be interviewed by a nurse to make sure that everything is all right. A person is not allowed to donate if they, among other factors, are under 17 years old, weigh under 110 pounds, have gotten a tattoo or piercing within the past 12 months, are anemic, are pregnant or are on certain medications.

Only one pint is removed when they donate, and then no more blood can be donated for 56 days.

National Honor Society adviser Margaret Titus would like to send out her appreciation to everyone involved in making the blood drive a success.

“Unfortunately, we had a bit of a back-up due to a shortage of Red Cross workers, but the kids really hung in there and cooperated, and waited patiently to donate. I just can’t give enough thanks to all of the NHS volunteers and especially the donors themselves,” said Titus.

So the next time a sign advertising a blood drive is seen, sign on up - nobody will turn into a vampire, but a life will be saved.

Bonnie Wagner
Staff Writer