pictures courtesy of Becka St. Cyr and Alexandria Nelson

West High Blood Drive

by Becka St. Cyr

On October 22, 2015 the Senior Class held a blood drive run by the Red Cross in the West Gymnasium. They had pizza, bagels, soda, water, juice, and many other snacks for people who donated and helped out. Many juniors and seniors donated, as well as faculty here at West. 

A junior named Sarah answered a few questions for the newspaper, "I donated because it's a good thing to do. It can save someone's life. I drank two bottles of water before and all this week I have been eating beef. It didn't hurt much, it felt like just a little prick and the woman who took my blood made me very comfortable. I am very happy I did this and I would do it again."

A senior named Hannah also answered some questions before she donated, "I haven't donated yet, I'm still waiting my turn but I'm donating because it helps everybody. If you have healthy blood, you might as well share it with someone in need. I did it last year, it didn't hurt then. This morning I had a good breakfast and drank four bottles of water. Also, while waiting for my turn I have been doing homework."

The new student-teacher, Ms. Frisella, answered questions while she was donating, "I feel it is an important thing to do. I mean, my Dad is alive because someone donated blood that he needed and he was able to get it. The feeling wasn't awful, but it wasn't pleasant. I wasn't scared because it wasn't my first time and I probably would do it again."

"I did not donate this year because I am helping run it. We are doing very well, some no shows, but we aren't done yet. I think this is a great thing because it brings the school and community together," senior class officer Lauren reported.

From New Hampshire, the Red Cross gets about 200 pints of blood daily. They get 1 pint of blood from each person. They only have 1 location in New Hampshire but they travel to high schools, colleges, town halls, and anywhere that has a big room. They send their bood to their ab in Massachusetts. There, they seperate the blood and this can take up to 3 days. From there it gets brought to the hospitals. You are only eligble to donate every 56 days because thats how long it takes for your red blood cells to replinish in your body. If you have low iron or an illness you cannot donate. Also, if you have traveled or gotten a tattoo, you cannot donate within a year.

Overall, the Blood Drive was a huge success. They did run a little late, but they were also short staffed. In the end, there was approximately 100 people who donated. There were even people there just for their friends as moral support. It was fun, people were laughing, talking, eating food, and having a good time.