Jessica Bezaury
Iron Quill

Ironwood Ridge High School students and staff donated an estimated 67 pints of blood at the campus American Red Cross Blood Drive on February 6 and 7.

“The blood drive was really good; everyone showed up and a lot of blood was donated,” said Student Body Vice President Andrew Okonya.

Students took time out of their busy school schedule to donate blood and save lives; which is the reason why Student Government chose to hold the blood drive.

The requirements for giving blood were: donors had to be 17, weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health, and have a valid proof of identification.

Junior Kendra Marcy said that she donated to the Red Cross because “it’s a really good way to serve.”

The process of donating blood is not as hard or as long as many think. Prospective donors first complete a health history questionnaire and screening interview. The next step involves a brief physical examination of blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, and a test for anemia. If the prescribed medical requirements are met, a unit (about one pint) of blood is drawn from the donor. Afterwards, donors are served refreshments while remaining seated for 15 minutes. The entire process usually takes less than an hour.

It is said that every three seconds, someone needs a blood transfusion and it only takes one pint of blood to save up to three lives. Sixty percent of the population is eligible to donate blood, but less than five percent does.

Besides saving someone’s life when they are in need, donating the blood has many other advantages. One being that it fulfills the desire to “give back” to the community. Another reason is each donor receives a mini physical (blood pressure, temperature, and iron level) and can learn their blood type.

Student government is thinking about doing another blood drive in May, and more blood donations can be made then. Pay attention to the announcements for more information.