By Naomi Kruh
Staff Writer
The Mira Costa Associated Student Body hosted a blood drive on June 2-3 in the Fisher Gym.
The blood drive was held through the University of California, Los Angeles Blood and Platelet Center. According to ASB director Lisa Claypoole, approximately 200 students donated blood over the course of the blood drive.
“I think the turnout for the blood drive was excellent and we got great kudos from UCLA for it,” Claypoole said.
On the first day, there were 105 units of blood donated and on the second day there were around 95 units donated. Each unit of blood is able to save 3 lives.
“Once you get over the fear of donating blood the first time, you will probably end up donating blood for a lifetime and that helps a whole lot of people,” Claypoole said.
Out of the 400 students who originally signed up to donate blood, around 100 deferred over the course of the two days. Other students were forced to opt out of donating due to low iron levels or flu like symptoms in the past 24 hours.
“I wasn’t allowed to donate blood because my iron level was 11.7 and the requirement is 12.5,” junior Valentina Marmol said. “However, I do plan on donating at the next blood drive because it benefits others whose lives are at risk.”
Students were required to fill out paperwork and answer a variety of questions that would help determine whether or not they were qualified to donate. Each student then had their finger pricked so that their hemoglobin levels could be checked. Once a student was qualified, they would be taken back to have their blood drawn.
“A little pinch didn’t matter too much because I knew it was for a good cause because the blood helps people who are in need of it,” junior Avery Atkinson said.
The blood drive is a biannual event, but this year, due to scheduling conflicts, the gym was not available for the fall blood drive. ASB will host next year’s blood drives during the week of Veteran’s Day and the week of Prom.
“Donating blood is a simple thing to do that goes a long way to help others,” sophomore Tooba Wasi said. “I will definitely be donating again next year.”
Leave a Reply