Red Cross holds fall blood drive

By Anthony Ta

Red Cross held its fall blood drive this past Friday in the library.  Members and officers alike participated in donating blood and running the event through Blood Centers of the Pacific.  Donors were required to be at least 16 years old, fill out a waiver out if they’re under 18, and pass the screening process before being able to participate in the blood donation.

“I think the obvious thing is you are giving to hopefully help to create the blood banks that will make it better for people who need blood transfusions,” says Mr. Vasques, “and also makes students aware of what they can do to help others.”

Students who signed up for the event were pulled from their selected classes and brought over to the library.  The donated blood was then delivered to local hospitals in the area by the Blood Centers of the Pacific at the end of the drive.

“I was really nervous because I really don’t like needles, but when you are doing [it] to save someone else’s life, it encourages you to go through with it,” says senior Ryan Phong, “I would definitely do this again.”

“About 37% of people are eligible to perform a blood transfusion, but only about 10% of people do,” states Red Cross Board Member Annemarie Gali.

According to the Red Cross website, the club pushes towards preventing and alleviating human suffering “in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.”

“One pint of blood can save up to three lives,” explains Red Cross President Nancy Le, “these pints of blood will go to local Bay Area hospitals so it will make a direct impact on the community.”

The club hopes to be able to get students to continue to spread the word about the importance of donating blood and to do so, if eligible, for as many years as possible.

“It is nice to know that I am helping people and at the end of the day you end up feeling better about yourself knowing that you were able to help save 3 lives,” beams two time donor Jeffrey Chang.

Holding a blood drive is nothing new to the Piedmont Hills club.  In the past, Red Cross has worked with the Blood Centers of the Pacific to run six successful blood drives.