Together with LifeSouth, Marietta High School is holding a blood drive to give community members, employees, and students the chance to save lives. From 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Oct. 28, the event was held in the school seminar room with the goal of gathering dozens of pints of blood to help local hospitals that are in dire need of donations. In order to meet the ongoing demand for blood, blood drives such as the one held at Marietta High School are crucial.
In the US, a blood transfusion is needed every two seconds, and the money raised from these occasions is frequently used to help people who are undergoing surgery, dealing with chronic illnesses, or experiencing trauma. The drive gives kids a chance to experience the value of giving back while also offering them a purposeful approach to interacting with their community. Students who are motivated to change the world are among the many first-time donors who are standing up today.
“Giving blood really made me feel good inside. I don’t feel I need it and knowing it can help others was my biggest motivation,” A student who donated blood, Charlotte Sundvik (11) said.
Today’s blood drive continues Marietta High School’s tradition of supporting community outreach programs. To make sure donors feel secure and encouraged during the process, organizers had set up water, snacks, and cozy spaces to recuperate. While others are volunteering to help with sign-ins and refreshments, and raising awareness about the significance of blood donation, students who satisfy age and health eligibility standards have been encouraged to give. Melisa Britain, a LifeSouth Donation worker has been working to help donate blood for 23 years. She believes in the importance of selling blood and spreading awareness to people of all ages.
“If we don’t educate high school children, you will never become adult donors and without your help, we don’t have blood on the shelves at all. It requires us from the time we are teenagers through adulthood to keep blood on the shelves,” Britain said.
Professors, SRO officers, and students had all stopped by to donate, demonstrating the high turnout for the event. For a lot of people, it’s a fulfilling way to give back and make sure that people in need get the care they need. The blood drive at Marietta High School is a reminder that even modest deeds of kindness can have a big impact.
“[Giving blood] is not like picking up a prescription at the pharmacy. We are constantly having to wait to see if blood is going to come with us and it is hard sometimes when it is not there. Giving blood is one of the easiest things in the world you can do to give back to the community,” Britain said.
The organizers are optimistic that they will reach or beyond their donation targets as the event carries on into the afternoon. Those in the community who were unable to attend today’s event are urged to visit their local donation sites or think about attending blood drives in the future. Every pint has an impact, and Marietta High School is demonstrating how significant that impact is.