On Thursday December 1st, Malden High School had it’s annual blood drive. The blood drive, hosted by the American Red Cross, took place in the gym from 8am to 1pm. If you missed your chance to donate blood Thursday, or did not reach the age minimum yet, the Red Cross Club hosts another blood drive in the spring.
In order to donate blood, you need to be at least 16 years old with parental permission, or 17 without parental permission, and weigh at least 110 pounds. According to the American Red Cross website, it’s vital to drink plenty of fluids, such as water, on the day of your donation. You should also maintain a healthy level of iron in your diet before donating. It’s required to bring your photo ID to the gym, along with something that shows your date of birth. However, it’s also important you relax, and bring a friend if you want.
On the American Red Cross website, there’s many stories of people thanking their donors for donating blood and help rebuilding their lives. One story thanked their donor for donating blood, which was used for her son’s brain surgery to remove a tumor. Another woman thanked all her donors, since she received around 150 to 200 blood transfusions in a lifetime, due to a blood disorder, and without them, she would not be alive.
It’s a selfless act to donate blood. One pint of blood can save up to three lives. It’s important to help and donate blood to people in need. Taking a few minutes out of your day to donate can save someone a lifetime. A board read “Maximize your impact. Maximize your blood donation. Help more patients.” Only 38 percent of the population in the United States can donate blood, which means donating blood is essential, especially in times of tragedies, where donating blood can save many lives and help create a sense of unity. Having an opportunity to do something extraordinary in Malden High is truly valuable. So seize the opportunity, and go donate!
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