Every year North Harford hosts two blood drives set up by the American Red Cross and sponsored by the Student Government Association. The first one this year was held on October 28 from 7:30 am to 1:00 pm in the auxiliary gym.

Many students who want to make a difference find the blood drive a good place to start . It’s an easy way for adolescents to save lives without even having to leave school. According to the American Red Cross, one pint of blood can save up to three lives.

“I wanted to donate because I have never donated before and I thought it would be a good thing to do. I was slightly afraid of the big needle but once the blood started flowing I was totally fine,” said senior Juliana Giro.

According to SGA advisor Mr. Ben Scarborough, there was 61 donors this past fall. 49 units of blood were collected, enough for 147 area hospital patients.

Interested students signed up for the event inside of social studies teacher and SGA adviser Mr. Benjamin Scarborough’s room, by submitting their permission slips and choosing an appointment time. Before donation day, students were urged to prepare by getting at least eight hours of sleep, eating a breakfast and lunch high in protein, iron and complex carbohydrates. Also, plenty of fluids are essential in the days before donation.

On the donation day students entered the gym with photo IDs and permission forms. Ms. Laurie Caldwell signed in students as they walked in . After reading the educational materials provided, students waited for their ‘mini-physical’. During this step participants were taken into a private cubicle to answer questions relating to health history and places the students have traveled. Also, temperature, pulse, blood pressure and a sample of blood are taken to check the hemoglobin level. If the students were approved, they then moved on to the actual donation. Most were approved but some, like Drew Vinyard, were not.

“I waited two hours and fifteen minutes to give blood. I wasn’t approved [after the physical] because on my license it says I’m 5’3” and 120 lbs and apparently I have to be 124lbs to give blood because it could be detrimental to my body,” said Vinyard.

This takes roughly ten minutes, according to the Red Cross. A pint of blood is drawn from from the inside elbow along with several small vials.

After donating, students are supposed to wait in the recovery area for 15 minutes, where they are encouraged to drink and eat a snack.

“Though I had a few problems with feeling lightheaded and nearly passing out the nurses took really good care of me and I would definitely do it again,” said Giro.

Those who donated have to wait eight weeks to donate again. Make sure to sign up for school’s spring drive as well because as the Red Cross website states, “The need is real; the time is now.”