By Josie Berger ’20

This year was the school’s fourth year taking part in the blood drive which was even more successful than last year.

Over 100 students donated blood, which ended in
a total of 60 pints of blood donated. There were also 10 student volunteers who talked with the students donating, signed them in
and kept them distracted during their recovery.

Sophomore Issy Eisen donated blood for the first time this year and said it was a complete success. “It was overall a good experience and I will definitely do it again next year,” Eisen said.

Once the donor students arrived in the gym, they checked in and were given a packet to read over which explained the process of donating. While reading the packet in the waiting area, the nurse spoke with each student asking them background questions to make sure they were eligible donors.

Once they were given the OK, they laid on beds and donated blood, then received orange juice and snacks to regain lost sugars.

Key club adviser Ms. Fernicola administered the blood drive this year and hopes to continue to help its success. “This was my second time doing the blood drive, but it has been going on for three or four years and continues to be successful,” Ms. Fernicola said.

Many students tend to be nervous and anxious before donating blood. Student volunteers helped keep them calm during the process, holding hands and giving encouraging remarks.

Once the blood is donated and properly packaged up, there are five steps in order for the blood to be delivered to hospitals.

The blood that is donated is then processed by being spun to be checked for any impurities it might have. The blood is then stored for a maximum of 42 days before it is delivered to hospitals
and distributed to its patients.

The blood drive has been a success for the past four years and the school hopes to continue its record by having more student participants moving forward.