By Amina Ahmed and Sandy Hoang
Barons saved lives by donating blood for the annual FVHS Red Cross blood drive last Thursday.
Although many students signed up in advance, there were numerous walk-in appointments as well.
“There’s definitely been an upward trend in participating in the blood drive throughout the years,” said Activities Director Benjamin Din (’14). “I think it’s really great that we’re able to have two blood drives a year, so people who weren’t age eligible in the fall can participate in the spring.
“Also, by having it annually, we’re increasing awareness for the underclassmen who may be interested in donating blood,” he said.
Students had to be 17 years or older to participate. There was also a weight requirement of at least 110 pounds due to safety measures. Donors could not have high or low blood pressure. Furthermore, anyone who recently traveled outside of the country was not allowed to participate.
Elise Dang (’14), who went to Vietnam last summer, was rejected from donating. “It would have been nice if there was a note in the permission sheet saying that people who have been to another country recently can’t donate blood,” she said. “I was really excited to to it but was very bummed when I found out that I didn’t meet the requirements.”
In addition, appointments had to be made ahead of time in Mrs. Chaicharee’s room. Appointments were scheduled throughout the day from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Students left class five minutes earlier than their appointment.
“It was actually my second time donating but I was still really nervous,” Adrian Tran (’14) said. “Afterwards I felt really tired but really good too because I knew I was helping someone out.”
“Donating blood is an amazing opportunity to contribute to the community,” Din said. “What makes it different from something as simple as donating money is that you’re giving something that is highly valuable to not only you but also to society. Money can easily be printed or earned, but blood is something that can’t be bought or artificially made.”
