More than 100 students and faculty members rolled up their sleeves aboard the Big Red Bus that arrived at the Media Center Dec. 4 in efforts to save millions of lives. National Honors Society (NHS) sponsored the blood drive quarterly and volunteered their time guiding donors through the donation process. “Everybody that I see is a good person; they are coming out with the goodness of their heart and letting us stick them with the needle to help someone they will never meet,” said One Blood Community Relations Coordinator, Jenica Fahey.
One Blood, an operation that collects donations, sends blood to 200 hospitals that benefits sick and injured patients. Their biggest goal is to not only save lives but to also break records. American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), an American based blood center, previously awarded Timber Creek for setting a record blood collection for donating nearly 400 units of blood. The donations helped 900 patients; some treated within a 48-hour period after the blood was drawn.
NHS took more charge in organizing the event than expected by One Blood. “NHS does the blood drive for Timber Creek, we handle all the signups, and the NHS students work the shifts,” said NHS advisor, Stephanie Stonge, “…and they bring in food items for the kids for their recovery.”
Donors were encouraged to donate through the Alyx machine which collects double the amount of blood compared to the regular machine. With red blood cells in great demand compared to other components of blood, this machine further aids trauma patients, people undergoing surgery, cancer patients, and those with anemia (including sickle-cell anemia).
A donor might expect to go through a process that includes providing their medical history, completing a physical, giving blood and then binging on some treats. The pint of blood is later divided up into red blood, platelets and plasma which are one of the main components that could save a life. The required medical history provides information about the donor’s ability to give blood. About 40-50% of students and teachers were deferred from donating, one of the main reasons being that they suffer from iron deficiency, which is measured at a physical check. Blood pressure, pulse and weight are also measured to make sure that the donor is healthy. Donors must at least be 16 years old and have parental consent. Blood that is deemed unfit for transfusion is used for testing. Those who do not meet the requirements and are looking for other ways to contribute are able to arrange blood drives themselves and recruit blood donors, just like NHS.
“This year I have been receiving blood transfusions, so now it hits home even harder knowing that they could be helping me.” said NHS president Naadiya Hutchinson, who was overwhelmed by the students response to the blood drive.
“There is a special place in my heart for Timber Creek High School and I believe that there is a special place in Timber Creek High School’s heart for the blood center too…In fact your principal, Dr. Berrio, comes out and donates at a regular basis at Waterford Lakes.”
While the donation process is concluded with treats and drinks, the blood’s journey doesn’t end there. A sick or injured patient’s life is eventually saved, due to the reliable blood supply provided by individuals they would improbably ever meet.