By Edwin Texca-Lorenzo
In a partnership between the American Red Cross and the Education Association of Passaic (EAP), students and staff were able to roll up their sleeves and donate blood. These donations can and will make a huge difference in the lives of those who receive the “gift of life.” During this holiday season, many wonder what they might be getting as presents this year, but many in this school provide a way to give the greatest gift of all, life.
The event lasted all day and students were given appointments to minimize the amount of time they were out of class. Students and staff expressed their willingness to donate blood, totaling 126 pints. That is a significant percentage of the students and staff of the school. Many expressed that it was a nice feeling to donate to someone who will need blood. It is the ultimate Christmas gift, especially since those who donate do not even know the recipient.
The Red Cross is also thankful for the donations. There is a severe shortage of blood at blood banks. They provide emergency assistance, disaster relief and even disaster preparedness education around the United States and the world. They also use ninety percent of the monetary donations they get for those in need.
The blood that was donated is checked to make sure that it is safe for recipients, which includes categorizing the blood type. This event happens every year at PHS and there has been some interest in having it twice a year. So, if you missed the first drive, there may be another one in the spring. If you were worried about the experience of donating blood because many of us have a problem with needles, then don’t be. The experience is not bad at all.
This is how the event happened this year. First, walking into the old gym, they ask if you have an appointment. If you don’t then they make one for you. There is a form to fill out. There is always a form to fill out, but at least it is short and online. They need to make sure you can safely donate blood. Then they give you a name tag, with your student information.
After a short wait, a Red Cross worker calls you up to confirm your information and you are about to give your blood. They check your blood type with a tiny finger prick. Personally, I think that the finger prick hurts more than the blood donation. If you get too nervous and want to back out, they do not shame you. You can get up and out, and hopefully you can do it next time.
They clean your arm, they insert the catheter and you are on your way to donating. They give you a squishy ball which helps you fill the donation bag more quickly. I wish they gave you that because it was fun to play with. When the bag is full, they thank you and you are on your way back to class. (Well not too fast).
Some students who were there provided some comments about their experience as well. One senior said, “I was doing fine and felt confident about this until I saw the bags that we were going to fill up with our blood.”
When he asked to back out of the donation, he added, “They were very nice and respectful.” They were just glad to see the attempt and they said, “Maybe next time.”
Another student commented on the fact that even though they didn’t have an appointment, “there was no wasted time.” She added, “I didn’t think it was going to take long at all, but it took longer than I thought.” She added, “At least I got a snack at the end.” PHS students will do almost anything for a snack.
At the end of the day, The Red Cross collected 126 pints which in total is 126 students and staff who decided to donate. Those bags will help people who need them, and the students and staff can feel proud of themselves because they did a good deed.
