Each year, Pembroke Pines Charter High School Key Club organizes an in-school blood drive, which allows students over the age of 16 to donate approximately one liter of blood.
In partnership with OneBlood, a nonprofit organization that provides “safe, available, and affordable blood” to local patients, Key Club runs a school-day-long system in which participants undergo screenings and then donate their blood in the River of Grass Auditorium.
The collection of red and white blood cells, platelets, and plasma all culminate in saving the lives of those with blood disorders, chronic illnesses, cancer, and other life-threatening conditions.
Sickle cell anemia, for example, is a genetic blood disorder in which red blood cells distort into a sickle shape, which can cause cells to die early and block blood flow. Patients with sickle cell anemia benefit the most from blood transfusions, but only around 10% of Americans donate blood.
Senior Gabrielle Jarvis says, “I’m a founder of a sickle cell awareness campaign, so I wanted to [donate blood] to help everyone, especially those with blood diseases. I get nauseous when I donate blood, but I’m willing to donate because I know it’s for a good cause.”
Before the day of your donation, plan to get at least eight hours of sleep and eat a healthy, well-balanced breakfast. In the few days prior, remember to stay hydrated.
Mayo Clinic recommends a daily intake of around 3.7 liters for men and 2.7 for women. There are opportunities to donate outside of school; search for local blood donation centers near you.
You should not donate blood if you are under 16, anemic, have abnormal blood pressure, pulse, or temperature, weigh under 100 lbs, or have diseases, like STDs.
If you meet the criteria for donating blood, Key Club and OneBlood both highly encourage your participation in saving lives across the country.
“Hospitals are constantly requiring blood for treatments, and this supply can really only be sustained if people decide to donate,” says Key Club president and senior Stacey Fung.
“The benefits [of donating blood] do outweigh the risks at the end of the day because donors are essentially playing a role in helping someone recover… for fighting against [a disease].”
If you didn’t get the chance to donate this time, don’t worry. Key Club holds around three blood drives throughout the school year, so keep an eye out for Key Club’s Instagram, @ppchskeyclub.
While Key Club organizes its next blood drive, consider donating your liter and encourage your friends to do so too. You can save a life.
