By: Katie Lulla
Mira Costa’s Associated Student Body hosted the second University of California Los Angeles CLA blood drive on Feb.5 in the cafeteria from 8:00 a.m. to 2:09 p.m.
The blood drive collected less blood than usual. In order for the drive to start, the temperature had to be 59°F, but at 8:00 am the temperature was 55.4°F causing the blood drive to be delayed until approximately 10:00 am. However, ASB was still able to collect 88 pints of blood which is equivalent to saving three lives each.
“[Mira Costa] gives a lot of blood. There is almost never a day when we don’t get to 100 pints,” ASB Director Lisa Claypoole said. “For [UCLA] 75 pints is a good day.”
In order to donate blood, students had to be age 16 or older and be at least 110 pounds. Participants first signed in with ASB members and filled out a consent form. Then, UCLA staff tested participants’ iron levels and asked if they had been to certain countries that would prevent them from donating blood.
“I totally support high school [blood] donations. I started in high school and I have given 60 times in 36 years,” Claypoole said.”Lifetime donators are really needed. Every time I give blood I see someone’s life will be saved.”
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