Friday, November 11th the students and staff of Park Center High School participated in a blood drive. Those over 17 were allowed to participate. This wasn’t the only “qualifier”; weighing over 110 pounds, eating a meal somewhere in the six hours before donating, and waiting for at least 56 days since your last donation were just a few of the restrictions. These restrictions keep your safety in mind, as well as the quality of the blood for the recipient.

I got a chance to interview some of the students participating in the blood drive. Those who were participating for their first time had the first time nerves and jitters, especially Mark who has a thing against needles. The students said they were doing it because it was “the right thing to do” and it was patriotic. Some were also donating so they could find out what their blood type is. Only two of the six interviews knew what their blood types were. Out of those two that knew their blood type, only one had donated blood before. He was pretty calm for this being his second time. But after filling out the paperwork and heading onto the donation bus, he was sent back almost immediately; the reason, he had vacationed to Mexico. Since it is possible to contract malaria there, he must wait for at least 1 year before he may donate again.

A normal donation consists of four things; the registration, the Mini-Physical and interview, the donation itself, and the relaxation period afterwards. During registration you will verify things such as your name, address, and birth date. Before or after verification you will also have to read a sheet of information about your donation. After finishing the registration portion you will begin your mini-physical and interview. The mini-physical consists of checking your pulse, blood pressure, temperature, and blood iron. The confidential interview consists of questions about your medical health and general medical history. The answers to these questions and the mini-physical conducted help keep you and the blood donated safe. Next begins the actual donation. The collection of a unit, about one pint of blood, will take approximately 10 minutes depending on how “fast of a bleeder” you are. Finally comes the relaxation period. You should spend about 15 minutes relaxing and drinking the refreshments provided. Afterwards you are free to return to your daily activities.

The blood drive was a great way for students to participate in something and help others out. Many said it was a nice change from their regular schedule; most of the donors said they would be happy to participate again. Such a simple process to follow, donating blood is an interesting and, believe it or not, fun experience.

-Alex Scharber