Junior Meghan Bade courageously gives blood, with moral support from fellow donor senior Nicole DeSousa

A group of 110 brave students got the opportunity to get out of class to save lives on Friday, Jan. 22. How? These students, primarily juniors and seniors, were donors for the Red Cross blood drive.
At first some students were nervous about needles and the idea of giving blood.

“I’m really, really terrified right now,” said junior Meghan Bade. Luckily, Bade had some assistance as good friend and fellow donor, Nicole DeSousa, supported her with encouraging words and a hand to grip. DeSousa was “super-stoked” to give blood for the cause.

For readers who have never donated blood before and are planning to in the future; here is a crash course for the donation process:
First, the runners fetch you from class and send you to a waiting area. A Red Cross nurse will call you over to do a background check, and prick your finger to check iron levels. You have to describe any recent tattoos or piercings, you have to meet the weight and height requirement, and they even check if you have traveled to a foreign country during a certain time period!

If approved, you are sent back to the waiting area until it is your time to donate; if you are rejected, you don’t have to clue your teacher in on that fact.

The actual donation is what really gets students’ blood pumping, no pun intended. According to student donors, it’s really nothing to worry about; although there are some things you’re going to want to do before you give a donation of blood.

“Eat a lot before you come in, take iron pills, and don’t freak yourself out,” said senior Kelsey Moultan. Having donated the year before, Moultan’s words were very reassuring to first time donors.

The “hydration station,” run by NHS members, is where you are sent for a little rest and relaxation before going back to class.
In the end, all who donated accepted what they had to go through, because the doctor gives you a card telling you that your blood will be saving at least three lives.

“Even if you’re scared, make yourself do it,” Bade said. “You’re helping dying people. One little prick is worth the help.”
Now, I know what you’re thinking. Where would my blood be going? I spoke to the team supervisors of the event, Sherrie Bristol and Jeff Belanger, a GBHS alumnus, to shed some light.

“Most people have been asking if the donations will be going to Haiti,” Bristol said. “Our motto here at Red Cross is blood for anyone, anywhere, anytime. We take care of where the need is the most, while making sure the blood is safe for donor and patient.”

Belanger was excited to return to his old high school, reminiscing on how he had been kicked out of the very gym he was working in. He was much more excited by the turnout of kids for the event.

“There’s a lot of energy at schools,” Belanger said. “They get to save a life and skip class while doing it.” Now even that encourages me to donate.
So even if you’re afraid, remember these tips and sign up for the next blood drive at the school. Everyone can make a difference even with one donation.