Danbury Highschool is hosting their annual Red Cross Blood Drive, but what is the importance of blood drives? According to the American Red Cross “about 328 million people currently live in the U.S. Each year, approximately 6.8 million people in the U.S donate blood. Annually, this adds up to about 13.6 million units of whole blood collected for donation in the U.S”. The Red Cross provides about 40% of our nation’s blood and blood cell components to donors. Your blood donations are used for patients in need of surgery, cancer treatment and transfusions for blood loss from traumatic injuries. The American Red Cross strives to keep diversity in the blood supply, as there are many types of blood and some types of blood are rarer than others. 

The blood donation process is really simple and short, first, you sign in, and show an ID, then you will be asked some questions about your health history and be given a mini-physical. You will then be seated while they draw a pint of blood, the actual donation only takes about 8-10 minutes. After donating, you get a snack, and a drink then rests for 10-15 minutes before resuming your day. Your blood is later tested to make sure it is healthy and then sent to a patient in need.

There are some requirements that you have to meet to be able to donate blood. If you are 16 you need parental permission to donate blood but if you are 17 and up you are free to donate on your own. You also must weigh over 110 pounds, you also must generally be feeling well even if you are being treated for a chronic disease. 

Join us for the blood drive at Danbury Highschool October 20th from 7:30-12:30 in the auditorium. Signup October 11th- October 19th in the cafeteria during lunch.