South's Annual Blood Drive

Every two seconds someone in the U.S needs blood, meaning approximately 36,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day in the U.S. Each donation can save up to three lives.
On Wednesday Dec. 7 from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. at South, a blood drive was held, open for all participants aged 17 and over. Students who are 16 need a parent’s permission. Everyone who wishes to donate must weigh at least 110 Ibs. Participants also need safe blood, meaning you cannot have transmissible diseases, including HIV, hepatitis B and C viruses, syphilis and others. Athletes should wait 12 hours after donating before participating in sports and talk to their coach.
“Before I went in I was excited and a little nervous. Mostly I just wanted to see what the hype was about. Afterwards I felt fine and was glad I did it,” Joshua Brown ‘18 said.
The Taishi Neilsen Leukemia Blood Drive takes place on Jan. 3 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church.
Leukemia is a type of cancer that stops the natural reproduction of blood cells. Without these cells your body can’t function properly with the abnormal cells it’s creating.
Hailey Hmura ‘17 has been friends with Neilsen, a senior, for years. Following his diagnosis, she contacted the Red Cross in hopes of doing something to help. They suggested sge start a blood drive.