By: Presley Marcum
On October 29, the Salem High School student council will team up with the American Red Cross for a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the school’s main gym. If you are 16, you must have parental consent.
Michelle Medlock, student council sponsor, said,“I think it is important for the students and anyone able to donate because it is something fairly easy to do to save people everywhere. I will say that not everyone reacts well to blood draws and they shouldn't donate if that is the case, but if they do okay then they definitely should.”
Junior Flora Wade said, “I plan donating on the 29th, I think it's a great opportunity to help people out.”
For students who may be nervous about the process, the activity starts with checking the individual's photo ID, checking iron levels and answering questions. Once all of the requirements are met, you will be taken to the bed where they then take your blood. Depending on the type of donation the person gives, they will usually take about 10% of your blood.
Medlock said each donation can save up to three lives. The American Red Cross has been experiencing shortages of blood for a while, but especially in the post COVID years and has had to declare an emergency shortage this year.
“There is the American Red Cross app in which you can follow the path of your donation,” she said. “You don't know who gets it, but you can see where it goes.”
This event is open to the public. Anyone interested in donating can come to the main office on the day of donation.