The Visor

Blood drive brings in pints to help out patients

March 11, 2010

Allison Jackson

They want to suck your blood– for a good cause, of course. On Feb. 24, 150 Hoban students signed up to donate their time and their blood to the Red Cross throughout the school day. The drive, sponsored by the National Honors Society, collected 113 pints of blood, setting a new record for the school.

All of the blood donated is used in hospitals in northeast Ohio.

“It’s used [the blood] in northeast Ohio because we have the largest concentration of hospitals in the country,” veteran English teacher Helen Trares said.

With so many patients in one area, a dire need for blood exists in our area.

Founded in 1881 by Clara Barton, the American Red Cross is the largest supplier of blood in the world with over 4 million people donating blood every year.

The blood will be used to help accident victims and cancer patients and others needing blood transfusions. With 14 million people needing blood transfusions every year, every pint helps.

For many juniors, it was their first time donating.

“It’s my first time [giving blood],” junior Mary Skiffey said. “I’m excited… it’s a good thing to do.”

This year, however, new weight regulations were put into place to prevent smaller and more petite students from passing out after having blood drawn. Despite these new guidelines, students were lined up to donate.

“It was a good experience,” senior John Walker said. “It changed my perspective on it [donating blood].”

No good deed goes unpunished however.

“The worst part was the finger prick,” Walker said.

Afterward, the blood donors recovered with cookies and juice before returning to class.

“It helped to save lives,” Walker said. “It was worth it.”

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