Annual Blood Drive Gives Students Good Will
Arick Ames
opinion editor
Today, Nov 21 Waverly’s FBLA is holding it’s annual blood drive. The blood drive gives students not only a day to skip a few classes, but also a time to give back to the community.
So many are in need of blood transfusions in the world.
With limited amount of blood and trying to find a donor who matches the needs of a patient, the blood drive is a perfect way to get kids involved and informed in giving to others and saving lives.
“Every year, the Nebraska Community Blood Bank asks FBLA to sponsor a blood drive. It’s not only helps save lives, but also provides scholarship money to our graduating seniors," Tara Bohaboj said. "I love seeing the excitement on students faces who sign up for the first time. Hopefully, by starting to donate at a young age, students will continue to give for years to come."
In order to participate, one must have to be at least 17 years of age and have sustainable blood.
It also helps if one isn't afraid of needles and bodily fluids.
"When the blood comes out, that's what scares me," senior Marissa Easton said. "I still feel good about myself after I do it though, because I like to help others."
No matter the case, anyone who is willing and old enough is more than welcomed to participate. However, there have been a couple of incidents.
In the past, there have been multiple people who have concerned others with fainting. Depending on the person, sometimes losing the amount of blood they are giving, can cause them to feel not so well.
That's why it is very important, as a boost, for students to receive juice and some sort of cookies/crackers afterwards while they recover.
"Even though I pass out every time, I still give blood when I can." senior Garett Crist said.
Blood drives and general blood donations hold importance in so many communities around the country and the world.
Whether someone knows it or not, they are giving a great contribution and are choosing to be apart of something extraordinary.
"When the blood drive comes to the school, it is more convenient,” Vice Principal Brian Daniell said. “It lets you take just five minutes out of your day to save someone else’s life.”
Not only do the students have such a large impact to this event, the nurses who are behind the needle, providing care to blood donors, are the real supporters.
“The giving spirit of our donors is what really makes the job worth it,” registered nurse Rita Windhelm said. “Especially first time blood donors. If they have a positive experience their first time, they will always want to come back and donate more, which is great.”
It is always important to give back. Not just donating blood to the community blood bank or other associations like Red Cross, but good acts in general that make you a better person.
