By: Will Bedwell
Twice every school year United Blood Services holds a blood drive on campus. One is held in the fall and one in the spring. This year, during baseball season, Oak Grove is competing with Petal High School to see who will donate the most blood. The winner will be announced at a game between the two (date of announcement has not yet been disclosed.)
According to Student Council Sponsor Mrs. Haik, the hardest planning procedure of the event is securing a date. On Monday, February 22nd, the spring drive was conducted. An estimated 100 students donated blood.
Approximately 60% of the U.S. population will need donated blood at least once during their lifetime.
“Giving blood is one of the easiest, surest ways of saving lives and helping others,” stated Haik.
To prepare for donating blood, a good healthy meal is recommended, as well as drinking a 16 oz. bottle of water ten to thirty minutes before donating. Then relaxation is all that’s left. Mrs. Haik recommends listening to the Fleet Foxes “White Water Hymnal”in order to achieve a “chill mindset” before giving blood.
After that, the donor is put on a bed, out comes the equipment: multiple tubes, bags, and one decently sized needle. He or she then feels a slight pinch and fifteen minutes later the process is over.
Every year around three to four students faint while donating: some out of nervousness during the process and others due to lack of blood following the procedure.
In order to gain the correct perspective when writing this article, I decided to give blood for my first time. I was called to donate just before advisors began. My blood was collected and then I sat down with a tasty juice box in hand to rest. The next thing I knew, I was being awoken by two nurses after passing out sideways on the bus’s couch.
Even if one does faint during the process, donating blood is a form of community service all should be proud to participate in. Hopefully next year even more students will seize the opportunity to help others. That is assuming they don’t pass out.
