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Students Roll Up Their Sleeves and Give Blood

James Pride

     On November 11, 2009 the Red Cross Club held their annual blood drive at Williamsport Area High School. The club had a goal of 120 donors. They had slots open for 145 people to donate their blood. In total, there were 176 people who donated. Mrs. Neylon was extremely excited with the outcome of the blood drive as she said, "One pint of blood can help save three lives, and with 175 pints, they have a possibility of saving 528 lives!"

     After students donate blood, they are required to eat a small snack consisting of things like cookies and orange juice.  The average male has about eight pints of blood in his body, so in donating one pint, students are giving roughly 1/8 of their blood.  This sometimes makes students a bit woozy after donating, and the sugar helps stabalize their blood-sugar levels.  After it is determined that the students are fit to return to class, they had the opportunity to purchase a red water bottle this year that the club was selling as a fundraiser. 

     In the spring, SGA will host another blood drive, so watch for sign-ups later this year.