It only takes a pint of blood to save lives.
This year, the school blood drive was on 18 October. It was held in honor of Kiley Steward, a junior who tragically passed away right before the start of the school year.
Her class continues to remember her.
Miller Keystone, the local blood center, worked with Fleetwood Area High School to make the drive a success. Those working with donors had decades of experience.
If no health problems are present, it is a harmless procedure for all.
The drive will be repeated again in the spring. All students seventeen-years and older are encouraged to sign up. There is a simple questionnaire prior to donating. If all is well, the person in question will not be deferred and is deemed healthy enough to become a donor.
The blood will go to cancer patients, people who have survived traumatic injuries, anemic patients, and plenty of other people in need.
Another possibility, if one is strong enough, is to donate two units of red cells. Known as “double red,” this procedure is performed using a machine that keeps the red blood cells while returning the donor’s original plasma and platelets. Special care is taken with those who undergo the double red procedure.
The American Red cross states that “For men, a donor must weigh at least 130 pounds and be at least 5’1″ tall. For women, a donor must weigh at least 150 pounds and be at least 5’5″ tall. “ This restriction ensures that the amount of cells taken are safe for the person donating to give.
No matter what a person gives, the effects are immediate and vital to people in need.
The Tiger Times 
Posted on October 31, 2016 by thetigertimes7
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