EHS hosts fall blood drive

by Gracie Swopes, 12

The high school NHS hosts a blood drive every year. In recent years, rather than being able to hold two, one in the first semester and one in the second there has only been one each year due to COVID. However, they held their first one of the year on Wednesday, November 3, 2021, and it was a success. There were approximately 40 people who donated blood, which that means for each donation, up to three lives can be saved.

The next blood drive is to be held in the spring during the second semester, and these are always open to the public, so if you’re on the fence about donating here are some reasons why you should. More than 38,000 blood donations are needed daily. Almost one million people are diagnosed with cancer for the first time each year, many of who might need blood transfusion each day due to chemotherapy. Type O negative blood can be transfused to people with any blood type, however, O negative is rare, and it’s in high demand, and while 38% of Americans can donate blood, only about 2% does so.

Senior, Kaden Hutsell said, “I had never given blood before, so I was a little nervous, but I was eligible to give so I felt like I should. It wasn’t that bad and it didn’t even take much of my time. It was worth it, it felt good to know I was helping someone out.”

NHS thanks everyone who showed up for the fall blood drive, and hopes to see you again in the spring.