On February 12th, Clinton held its annual blood drive in the Hawk’s Nest. All students ages 17 years or older, 16 with written parental consent, and faculty were able to register to donate blood. In the U.S., we are currently experiencing a shortage of readily available blood for basic medical needs and life-saving procedures. The root of this crisis is the low number of blood donors, which makes our school’s efforts a necessity.
According to The American Red Cross our nation’s blood supply has dropped by more than 25% since July 1, 2024. Each day, 2,500 hospitals and transfusion centers rely on the Red Cross to collect 12,500 blood transfusions. Without an increase in blood donations this blood shortage will only become more detrimental.
Blood shortages increase the chance that patients cannot receive the care they need, which in extreme cases, can result in death. People with blood disorders such as anemia greatly suffer from blood shortages. However, doctors may have to withhold transfusions due to the lack of blood, leaving many with anemia or other conditions to suffer from a delayed blood transfusion. The dire consequences from this crisis can only be mitigated with more blood donations. It is important to know that before donating blood, donors must answer several questions about their medical history and verify eligibility. To donate, you must weigh at least 110 pounds, meet the age cut off, be symptom free from a cold, flu, or COVID-19, and be in general good health. Additionally, specialists will perform a small medical assessment by checking your pulse, temperature, blood pressure and hemoglobin levels. While extensive, the screening process is necessary to make sure to protect not only the donor’s safety but the safety of the blood supply.
At Clinton, 28 people signed up, and there were 4 walk-in donations. However, after the screening process, the number of donors dropped to 18.
Still, it is so important to donate blood whenever you can and the need for blood is constant. For every person that donates blood, it saves the lives of around three people. Next year, when Clinton holds its blood drive, consider donating and helping people in need with your life-saving blood.
Luna Craemer, a sophomore who couldn’t donate this year due being only 15 years old said, “I couldn’t donate this year since I’m 15 years old, but I definitely want to donate next year when I’m old enough.” Even if you are unable to donate blood currently, think about donating in the future, participating in running blood drives, like the one held at Clinton, or even volunteering at blood banks!
