By Kikilia Kojin
Nurse Ella May commented, “It’s very generous of students to donate. It shows consideration for people that are ill or injured.”
“It’s fun and nice to help with giving people blood. I like it and I would do it next year,” remarked Megan Shover, a junior on the blood drive committee. Megan Shover and senior Lindsey Seneff take charge of the blood drive this year, earning community service hours for their senior year as a result.
The blood drive is on November 11th during school hours and the Blood Bank of Anchorage, Alaska LIFEmobile will be parked outside the school. Students are allowed to give blood three times each year, ensuring an adequate and continual supply to hospitals throughout Alaska and saving up to three lives. Even if you have Diabetes, a tattoo, or take medication, you may still be eligible. According to the Anchorage blood bank, it’s best to prepare a couple days prior to you donation by eating healthy meals and drinking plenty of fluids. To donate, you need to bring some sort of I.D. and sign up for an appointment with Lindsey Seneff.
In Alaska, fewer than 5% of eligible donors give blood, helping the Blood Bank of Alaska provide blood to over 20 clinics, hospitals, and military facilities in Alaska. The recipient could be a cancer patient, a mother with childbirth complications, a heart patient, a newborn, or your friend, and there is no substitution for human blood!