Written by Jaylyn Hamilton
The blood drive this year at Salem High School falls on Oct. 31 and is sponsored by the American Red Cross and Student Council. They have been holding blood drives at the high school for many years.
Student Council Sponsor Michelle Medlock said the high school is a great place to hold blood drives.
“It allows for a large, public space that everyone within a community can access,” she said.
The blood drive is an event held at the high school that takes blood donations for medical procedures, transfusions and more.
In Indiana, you can donate at 16 but need parental consent. At the age of 17 and up, you don’t need parental consent. Some restrictions of blood donations include low weight, iron levels, medications and health issues. Blood drives and donations can sound pretty scary at first. Keep in mind, however, they are not scary and they can help people all across the world.
“It's not as scary as it sounds,” said Medlock. “The people who are working are nice and will walk you through the whole process.”
The process starts off with checking the individual's photo ID, then you ask some questions, check your iron levels and answer your questions. Once you meet all of the requirements, you will be taken to the bed where they then take your blood. Depending on the type of donation the person gives, they will usually take about 10% of your blood.
Donating blood to blood drives can save up to three lives. Donated blood from blood drives is used in health emergencies in hospitals. Right now, there is a national blood shortage and blood donations are needed across the whole country.
It is also important to eat and drink enough before donating to make the process go smoother.