On April 24, Middletown High School held the annual SGA Blood Drive, sponsored by the American Red Cross. This event allows students to donate blood for a noble cause.

Although this is a popular event among students and staff, there are certain requirements one must have met to apply. Participants needed to be at least 16 years old and have had a parent-signed consent form. Inside the packet, there were several pages explaining the process and requirements, along with other helpful information one needs to understand before donating.

Once donation day arrived, students came prepared. Each student had to show a valid identification and a completed consent packet. Red Cross representatives ran a screening before applicants donated to test iron levels in student’s blood. Students progressed to the sanitary donating stations. It was recommended that students get a good nights rest the evening before, eat healthy foods, do not skip meals, and drink extra water before coming or while waiting to donate.

During donation, students were recommended to sit back and relax. Some listened to music, read, talked to other donors, or thought about something else to distract them. Lifting ones legs for a few seconds and repeating also helped. After donating, participants relaxed in the designated recovery area while drinking plenty of fluids. Some people experienced lightheadedness, dizziness, or an upset stomach after donating. The satisfaction of knowing a life has been saved, however, soon masked the fatigue.

Donating is an incredible cause that recognizes every participant. Middletown hopes to collect up to 60 units of blood. One unit is often donated by one person.

“Our goal is to gather 80 units,” said Middleton science teacher Maria Duva. “If some people exceed the weight requirement, they can donate two units.”

 The American Red Cross Blood Service was created to provide a safe and effective blood supply for patients who need blood transfusions. The American Red Cross has also participated in many research programs. Some examples of types of research are: studies relating to testing, storing, collecting, and processing blood to increase the safety of the blood supply and conducting studies of new test methods for infectious agents carried in the blood. 

 “This is for a really good cause,” said Middletown High School Junior Coni Kroll. “Just one unit could save one to three lives.”