When you turn 17, you meet the age requirements to donate blood without parental permission– something that can change and save lives. This year, the Solon High School Red Cross Club hosted a Blood Drive, partnering with the American Red Cross Society.
According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, each student’s blood donation could save up to three lives. The American Red Cross writes, “This blood helps save lives by helping patients with cancer, chronic illnesses, traumatic injuries, and those undergoing surgery.”
The Blood Drive took place on Oct. 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Club hosts a blood drive every year and will begin signups next fall.
President of the Red Cross Club, Sam Patton, said they had a pretty successful fundraising event.
“We collected over 40 pints of blood, about 46 pints,” Patton said.
Club Advisor Patrick Burns said blood drives are a great cause to donate to.
“If you’ve ever had a family member been in a car accident or yourself, you realize what it takes.” Burns said. “It takes a lot of people to donate their blood.”
Burns said he donates blood because he knows there’s a need for it.
“It was something my family always did, and it’s not as scary as you think it is,” Burns said. “It’s like if you’ve ever been to the doctor and gotten a shot. To me, because [the Red Cross] is so good, it’s not even as painful as getting a shot.”
Senior Bryce Boro, a student who donated blood this Friday, said it’s a great cause.
“I donated blood to help people in need and hopefully save some lives for people who need blood,” said Boro.
President of Red Cross Club Sam Patton said that, along with the Blood Drive, the club helps out with multiple other world problems in hopes of making a difference.
“We try to have a different event happening every month or two,” Patton said. “In November, we want to make baskets for homeless people. In February, we have a day where we make Valentine’s for an old folks home. We plan based on what’s going on in the world right now.”
Patton said all these plans have been hard with many club members graduating in the past few years.
“We’ve just been trying to build up the club again and do more activities,” Patton said. “Last year, we had the California Wildfires Fundraiser, we’re trying to do more of those.”
The club meets once a month if these goals sound like something you would be interested in.
“There are so many ways to get involved in your community and help others, and a very easy, not difficult way is giving blood,” Patton said. “It’s extremely easy to give blood. Everyone should try to help their community more, especially with the world we live in now.”
