The Logansport High School Student Council partnered with the American Red Cross to host an in-school blood drive on Tuesday, April 8, to help raise blood donation awareness and help people in need.
“We kind of introduce the young people to what a blood drive is and the importance of it,” American Red Cross nurse Sherri Witvliet said. “One unit of whole blood saves three lives.”
Setting up an appointment to donate is fairly easy to do as well. Everything is online. As long as a potential donor passes the health requirements, their age may be the only factor that keeps them from donating.
“You just have to be 16 years or older to donate, and if you are 16, you need a parent’s permission,” Abby Lundy, Student Council sponsor, said. “Once you turn 17, there’s nothing that is needed by the parent.”
If age isn’t what’s preventing a potential donor from being eligible to donate, it could be something else, such as something that could cause an issue in your blood or your health.
“We do your health history, where we check your vital signs and make sure that you’re in good standings with the requirements,” Witvliet said. “If your hemoglobin is too low, your blood pressure is too high, or something different with your pulse, there’s a possibility that we wouldn’t be able to take you because you have a high risk of having a severe reaction on a donor bed.”
That said, it’s okay to be nervous about it, especially if someone is a first-time donor.
“I only get nervous when they put the needle in because it hurts when they take it out,” donor Sheyla Ramirez said. “It’s like you feel a little light-headed, but then you get over it.”
For the light-headedness, snacks and beverages are provided for those who need them.
“The people that the American Red Cross sends are professionals,” Lundy said. “I haven’t had any issues with kids passing out as long as you eat a good breakfast and take care of your own health before you come. There’s really nothing to be scared of.”
