Everyone loves gifts, no matter what size, shape, or form. After all, it’s the thought that counts. Well, plenty of thoughts were going through the minds of the 115 WHB students who signed up to bestow one of the most meaningful gifts on November 9th: the gift of life, in the form of donating blood.
Who would have known that donating one-pint of blood could save three lives? It’s simply remarkable, and the students who signed themselves up for that life-changing experience strongly agree.
The blood drive was hosted by the National Honor Society in conjunction with Long Island Blood Services, which visits WHBHS twice a year, once in November and again in February.
Of the 115 students who voluntarily signed up, 108 of them were eligible to donate, whether it was because some students didn’t meet the health requirements or unexpected difficulties occurred during the donation.
Devonte Atkins, senior at WHBHS, was one of the few who underwent difficulties during his donation process. He was signed up for the ALYX Machine, which only takes platelets rather than whole blood. He was pumped and ready to go, all before his nurse became tentative as to which of Devonte’s veins should be used.
“She kept missing the vein, trying to find one, then another, until bruises began to appear.” It was after the bruises started to show that they denied Devonte of donating.
He mentioned the nurse’s repetitive statements of wanting to go leave and eat. “Maybe if she wasn’t so worried about going to lunch she would’ve found the vein and I would’ve been able to donate!” Devonte claimed.
Fortunately enough, other students who donated confirmed that their donations went fine, without any complications.
Lauren Flynn, senior at WHBHS, is among the students who have positive feelings toward blood drives. Donating for her second time, she admitted it was overall a great experience, just as her first donation was. She mentioned how sweet her nurse was, and how smooth everything went, greatly encouraging students to partake in the next drive. “Everyone should do it!” Lauren concluded.
As much as some students would love to donate blood, it’s their fears that hold them back. WHBHS senior Alana Mercurio, for instance, admitted how terrified she is of needles, although she wishes she could donate.
Overall, the blood drive was a huge success. Mrs. Demchak, coordinator of the drive, stated it was the best one WHBHS has had as far as participation goes, collecting a total of 108 pints of blood.
She continued to explain how the blood drive being held at the WHBHS provides an environment where students can feel comfortable with friends.
“It’s a great way to introduce lifelong blood donors!” she advised.
She did, in fact, have a few other words of advice. She insists the way to gather more family, friends, and other community members to donate is to talk about it!
And so, give the gift of life, and sign up for the next blood drive in February!