On September 20, 2023, there was a American Red Cross blood drive held by Student Senate in the cafeteria at Palestine High School from 2pm to 6pm. Right now there is a national blood shortage. Students and community members were encouraged to donate blood if they could. Our goal was 27 units and we successfully met that goal. Total there were 31 people who attended the blood drive, but 4 of those people weren’t able to give blood. Two of those 27 people donated power red. According to the Red Cross Blood Donation, “Power Red is similar to a whole blood donation, except a special machine is used to allow you to safely donate two units of red blood cells during one donation while returning your plasma and platelets to you.” Each unit of blood saves three lives, so with 27 units being donated, 81 lives will be saved.
In order to be able to keep these blood drives running, our Student Senate members volunteer their time to work the blood drive. Our Student Senate members aren’t to the point of actually taking the blood from donors, but they do check the donors in. During 6th hour, Kiara Fralicker and Brylee Tingley checked people in. During 7th hour, Charlie Burkett and Zoey Beabout worked the check-in. Briley Beabout showed up at 3:15 for her 3:30 shift, before Alix Bennett came to work and clean up at 4:30.
Speaking of our students, the Red Cross hands out a scholarship at the end of every school year, and the amount depends on the number of units of blood donated throughout the year. Donations of 30-70 units create a $250 scholarship. Donations of 71-100 units donated create a $500 dollar scholarship. Donations of 101-150 units create a $750 scholarship. Donations of 151-200 units create a $1,000 scholarship. Donations of 201-300 units create a $2,500 scholarship, and over 301 units donated will guarantee a $3,000 scholarship. Mr. Will says, “My goal is usually to get the $2,500 scholarship.” The $2,500 scholarship requires 201-300 units of blood donated.
Mark your calendars for the next blood drives: November 29, January 24, March 27, and May 22, all 2-6pm.
