What would you do to save three lives?
On Oct. 7 at Liberty, the answer was to donate a pint of blood. The HOSA (Future Medical Professionals) Liberty Chapter runs three blood drives through the organization Impact Life a year: once in the summer, once in the fall, and once in the spring.
In past years, the organization has recruited students and staff alike with increasing success, and has sought methods to increase engagement and participation as years have passed, each cabinet offering insight to the next.
“We have worked hard and prepared in advance with sign-ups and awareness this year, and I think it made a difference in our level of success,” Blood Drive Committee Chair Caroline Blankenship (11) said.
Another critical aspect emphasized within the past year was the educational awareness of both the necessary preparation before donating blood, as well as the impact of the donation itself.
On social media and in promotional materials, the club highlighted sources and tips to be physically prepared for the blood donation. Among such included eating iron-rich meals before the event, sleeping an adequate amount, and maintaining hydration throughout the course of the week.
As many of the participants are highschool students, this information, in conjunction with promotion, is essential. In the relative chaos of the high school experience, nutrition and sleep are often not prioritized in the flurry of activities. However, the insight and drive to donate within youth has proven resilient and singular amidst the stimulation of the quotidian.
There were approximately 70 donators signed up, eager and excited to support a universal cause.
“It is just really important to realize how many lives you can be helping with something as simple as this,” Mark Berry (12), a donating student said.
Each participant came to the drive as individuals. Of their own accord, they took a step into the event and outside of themselves. Their participation was an act of outreach to those with whom they will likely never meet.
Though they may never speak with those receiving a transfusion, their voice echoes in action. Though they may never hear of their identity, their appreciation for human life pumps in the hearts of those who would have been desolate.
Our world continues to creep towards the extreme, and the derogatory spins a sort of intangible havoc on the state of our humanity.
However, this blood is tangible. These lives are real.
Because while tragedy does not discriminate, neither does our ability to serve. Our ability to prevent injury may not be in our control, but our agency to support is.
Regardless of whether we have the ability to donate, spread awareness, or simply appreciate the work that is being done, blood drives on local levels save lives.
You can save lives.
