OCHS students give back to the community with their blood. Here at OCHS, multiple students have volunteered to donate blood in the auxiliary gym on November 13th. The blood drive is an event all across the United States where schools collaborate with the Red Cross to get 16 or older students to donate blood. The event was lively with OCHS donors bringing a friend with them after they’ve donated blood. I have asked four OCHS students that were present at the time and donated blood.

Why does it exist?

The blood drive is important because the donated blood can be used for cancer research. Students are doing way more than just donating blood to those in need; they are also actively furthering the future of scientific research. Another disease that the blood drive focuses on is sickle cell disease that commonly affects African Americans. The blood drive is a way for doctors to examine different types of blood and create solutions to problems that have been persistent for a long time.

Why do OCHS students donate blood?

With the plethora of reasons why, there is a common trait in all of them. All of the students felt better after doing it. The Senior, Bryce Skyles, who felt, “Accomplished to save lives.” Other students had similar responses and they all chose to do it by themselves and knew that they wouldn’t get anything but it would make them feel like a better person. Charity is one of the most common ways for people to make a difference, and make themselves feel like a contributing member of society.

Is there any way I can donate?

You can donate blood by going to the website, https://www.redcrossblood.org, and fill out the application form. When you donate, the blood you donate will replenish in your body within 56 days. After donating you have to wait eight weeks before donating again to ensure your blood is replenished. There is no limit towards donating. Like the American Red Cross stated, “Donating blood is a simple thing to do, but can make a big difference in the lives of others.”