Every year, over 6.8 million Americans donate blood. On Tuesday, September 30, Warriors ages 16 and older had the chance to become a part of that number. Organized through the American Red Cross and in partnership with North Atlanta’s JROTC program, students were allowed to make a real impact on those in need. For many who participated, it was their first time donating, but the surprisingly simple process gets blood from donors to patients in a matter of days, saving lives one pint at a time.
Once collected, each pint of blood undergoes a quick yet complex process to ensure the safety of everyone involved. The blood is transported from the school to a local facility, where it is tested and then separated into its components: red blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Within mere days, the different components are shipped to hospitals and delivered to patients who need them. The planning and execution that go into that process are incredibly impressive, at least according to sophomore Addie Bellem. “It’s crazy to think that something I did like two weeks ago could have already saved so many lives,” Bellem said.
For many donors, motivation wasn’t hard to come by; the knowledge that a morning spent skipping class could save lives was incentive enough. For junior Emery King, however, it was more personal. King has seen the work that blood donations do and the countless lives they save. Whether the blood is given to someone in surgery, undergoing treatment, or for any other reason, it is giving that individual a second chance. Oh, and the $30 Amazon gift card doesn’t hurt either. “It’s cool to know that I played a role in saving someone’s life,” King said, “and I got a gift card, so definitely a win-win.”
All donors walked away knowing that they had just become a part of something bigger. Their morning created so many more opportunities for people who had been running out, a small contribution that left a lasting impact on so many others’ lives. That is something to be proud of. For sophomore Piper Redmond, it was her first time donating blood, but there will certainly be no hesitation in the future. The experience of actually getting blood drawn might not have been fun, but the sense of fulfillment and pride that comes after makes it worth it. “I would totally do it again,” Redmond said. “Knowing that you helped save someone’s life makes up for the lightheadedness.”
By overcoming a slight fear of needles and missing a little bit of class, several Dubs were part of a bigger cause. Walking out with a little less blood, a lot more pride, and $30 of spending money was more than worth it. They signed up to save lives, and through blood, sweat, and maybe a few tears, they did just that.
