As the school season begins, students and faculty resume their busy lives but never fail to take a moment out of their day to help save lives. On November 10th, 2023 Fort Hamilton High School hosted its second blood drive since the pandemic. Fort Hamilton blood drives are pivotal to the movement across schools to keep blood banks stocked, to help patients in need.
Since the pandemic the New York Blood Center has seen a 50% decrease in youth donors, with many schools not hosting drives. This is critical since people who donate during their youth are more likely to donate as adults. If school drives do not return to pre-pandemic normalcy, then the future of blood donations is also being compromised.
Fort Hamilton High School is taking steps to contribute to returning blood donations to healthy levels. During its most recent drive, 61 white blood cell and 24 red blood cell donations were collected. This amount is projected to help as many as 207 patients in area hospitals.
Donating blood is a brave task. Many students may be hesitant to donate; however, after one donates blood the first time they may be interested in doing it again.
“The medical staff was very nice and accommodating when I donated blood,” said junior Joanna Ascher. “This was my first time donating and I was a little nervous, but what kept me going was that it was for a great cause since there’s a major blood shortage in the city. I was surprised to know that my single donation could save up to three patients in need.”
Ascher encouraged others to overcome their own anxiety about donating blood.
“If you’re of age and meet the requirements, I highly recommend donating to the blood drive at Fort in years to come if you’re able; it’s for a good cause,” she added.
While at first it may seem like a daunting task, many donors learn that any discomfort is worth it at the end. After one’s blood is taken, they are rewarded with snacks and drinks and fun stickers displaying their achievement.
If you meet eligibility requirements to donate, consider doing so at Fort Hamilton’s next blood drive which will be held in the spring. You might just become a lifetime donor and help the future of blood donation numbers thrive.
