The Lowellville High School Student Council hosted a blood drive with the American Red Cross on Wednesday, October 30, 2024. Many students and members of the community attended to make their donations. The American Red Cross and LHS were very grateful to the donors that attended as there has been a national blood shortage over the past few years. According to the American Red Cross website, the number of people donating blood has fallen by 40% over the last 20 years. There have been several factors that led up to this happening. One of the main reasons is changes in donor requirements such as raising the minimum hemoglobin requirement. Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body and returns carbon dioxide to the lungs to be exhaled.Females must have a minimum level of 12.5g/dL, and males must have a minimal level of 13g/dL. A donor’s hemoglobin level cannot be higher than 20g/dL to donate.This has resulted in donors, especially younger ones, being denied. However, in this time of need the American Red Cross needs as many donors as possible. The requirements to donate are simple. Donors must be at least 16 years of age with parental consent, at least 110 pounds, and in good health. There are also certain height and weight requirements for donors depending on their age..
Junior, Giuliana Alfano was a first time donor at the blood drive this year. She chose to donate because she has a fear of needles and wanted to try to overcome it. Giuliana was very excited that she got to help make a difference and plans to donate again in the future. She encourages other students to donate if they are the right requirements because not everyone can help, so people who are eligible should try to help.
Marsha Smith was a community member who decided to donate this year. She chose to donate blood because she knows that there is always a need. When her granddaughter, Lowellville Senior Kenzie McCormick, asked her to donate, she thought she might be too old at the age of 75. Kenzie assured her that she wasn’t too old and she made her appointment. Her advice to people intending to donate is to drink a lot of water and eat breakfast prior to your appointment.
Lowellville’s principal, Mrs. Parry also made the courageous decision to donate. Aware of the ongoing blood shortage, she explained how this influenced her choice. “It’s a reminder that we can’t take these resources for granted, every donation helps ensure there’s enough supply for critical situations,” she shared. Mrs. Parry is committed to continuing her donations for as long as she is able. To those hesitant about donating, she offers this advice: “I would say, try it once. The process is quick and safe, and the feeling of helping others is incredibly rewarding. Remember, each donation can save lives—you never know when someone close to you might need that same gift of life someday.”
Lillian Rosado was working for the LHS Blood Drive, and has worked with the American Red Cross for seven years. She says that they experience the greatest shortage in donors during the summer when schools are not hosting blood drives. Her message to people who are unsure about donating is, “It’s not as bad as everybody thinks.” She also mentioned that as long as you prepare beforehand, the experience will be fine. For those who don’t want to donate, she suggests volunteering at local blood drives, since they’re always looking for extra help.
If you missed this past blood drive it is not too late! Check the American Red Cross website to find blood drives happening in your area, and sign up for the next LHS blood drive coming up January 30, 2025.
