Fort Hamilton’s fall Blood Drive took place on Thursday, November 20, in the Girls’ Gym, Room G83. Students attended the Blood Drive during their lunch period with parent permission forms and appointment cards.
In the gym, students first stopped at a station where they had to answer questions about themselves to make sure they were eligible to donate. After approval, students then donated blood and waited about 10 to 15 minutes to ensure they did not experience any fatigue. Once finished, Leadership students provided donors with food and drinks to help replenish their energy. Following the recovery, students headed back to class and continued with their day.
Over the last 20 years, the number of blood donors has decreased by 40%. With someone needing a transfusion every two seconds, the high demand for blood across the country leaves many lives in jeopardy. Fort Hamilton’s Blood Drive is an effort to stock blood banks, allowing hospitals to treat patients in critical need without delay.
“Without blood drives, doctors would not have the blood necessary to treat patients,” said Mr. Alvear, the Coordinator of Student Activities. “Luckily, there are many individuals who demonstrate that kindness and selflessness are superpowers.”
The compassion displayed in the blood drive isn’t just for the welfare of donors; it’s for an entire hospital floor of people in need.
“The blood drive helps a lot of people,” said Azahraa Suliman, a student in Leadership. “It’s easier than people may think to donate blood, and it’s worth it.”
Leadership students played a crucial role in maintaining the event. Through meticulous efforts, they ensured that students felt the donating process was easy to follow. They also tracked the number of people present, hoping to reach a certain number for the event to feel successful.
“I felt very welcomed, the kids in leadership did a great job,” said Zinab Hassan, a junior at Fort Hamilton. “It was a simple process and I was directed where to go.”
Despite hearing stories about negative experiences with blood donation, the participants like junior Tyler Wu were willing to push past their anxiety and make their first donation.
“I chose to participate because I wanted to help people and represent the school in some way, and it felt good to do something that is meaningful,” said Wu. “Leadership students and staff members helped get your information and were very kind, they knew what they were doing and directed me to where I needed to go.”
Not only does the Blood Drive alleviate the shortage of blood and platelet donations; it is also a reflection of the values being taught at home.
“Many students donate blood because of the values they’ve been taught at home, the lessons they’ve learned in school, and the realization that as young as 16, you can make a difference in this world,” said Mr. Alvear.
The blood drive served as an opportunity for the community to help its members, and established a baseline for those who may want to keep donating in the future.
“Those first-timers adopt this practice as an act of responsibility, something they take pride in and look forward to repeating as they get older,” said Mr. Alvear.
