On February 2, 2016, Dublin High School hosted an American Red Cross blood drive in the old leadership room from 2:30 to 5:30 in the afternoon. Volunteers from the American Red Cross Blood Donation Center from Pleasanton came to Dublin High School to set up a blood drive so that people were given to the chance to be able to donate blood nearby. While members of DHS’s very own Red Cross Club helped out and volunteered, local Dublin citizens, including many of Dublin High students, each donated one pint of blood to the American Red Cross.

To learn more about the significance of the blood drive, I asked Justine Koa, the president of Red Cross Club, for her opinions and thoughts.

Why is the blood drive so important?

The blood drive is SO important for our community. The Red Cross organization supplies about 40% of our nation’s blood supply and majority of that comes from drives held in schools like our own! Something a lot of people forget is that blood cannot be manufactured, therefore the need is constant. And if that’s not enough, all of the blood collected at our blood drives goes directly to hospitals in our own communities!

Would you say that the most recent blood drive was a success?

Unfortunately our recent blood drive had to be cut short in time due to scheduling conflicts, but we made the most with the time we had! I say any blood drive is a success because even with 1 donor, we’ve saved 3 lives. Every 2 seconds, a new person in the United States needs blood and providing a place for generous donors to help out is amazing on its own.

I know that some people, including myself, are scared of donating blood. What are some reasons that we should overcome these fears?

Often times, the first thing that pops up in people’s’ minds about donating blood is…the needle. I get it, it can be intimidating. What a lot of people don’t know is the needle is only in your arm for about 8-12 minutes on average. The donation process takes about 45 minutes total, but most of it is sitting down and answering questions. Just 45 minutes to save 3 lives? I say that’s worth it! Another fear I’ve heard of is the safety of the whole process. I’m sure everyone would be relieved to know that the donation process is completely sterile. A clean and new needle is used for each donor and is discarded right after. If all of that doesn’t soothe the fears, just ask someone who has donated! They’ll tell you that it’s never as bad as you imagine it to be, and the gratification afterwards is indescribable.

Sounds simple! So, when’s the next time we can donate blood at DHS?

We’re trying to squeeze in another blood drive for this school year! The date is most likely going to be Monday, May 16th, so mark it on your calendars!!

Besides the Blood Drive, what other events/thing does Red Cross participate in?

Besides the Blood Drives, Red Cross participates in events such as disaster trainings and CPR trainings. This year, we’ve been really pushing to get the Pillowcase Project started in our community. It’s a lesson plan started up by the Red Cross chapter in Louisiana after hurricane Katrina. With the help of Disney, it’s been able to grow and spread its influence! In short, the Pillowcase Project is a 30-40 minute lesson plan that teaches 3rd-5th graders about how to be safe in natural disasters or hazards like home fires, or earthquakes.

So, the next time Dublin High hosts a Blood Drive, which will most likely be May 16th, brave up and sign up to donate blood. (Donors must be 16 years or older, and must be in range of certain height and weight requirements.) Remember, one pint of your blood can save the lives of three individuals! How cool is that?

Red Cross meetings are on Tuesdays in L-209 in Ms. Angel-Diaz’s room. For more information, you can follow DHS’s Red Cross Club on twitter @DHSRedCross.