Every two seconds, someone is in need of a blood transfusion, yet only 3% of the US population donates blood every year. On April 28, 2023, Fort Hamilton High School contributed to closing that gap one donor at a time, holding its first Blood Drive since the pandemic to help save lives.
Because of the pandemic, the number of blood donors has decreased significantly. The New York Blood Center, which organized Fort’s drive, declared a blood emergency. They reported that blood supply is currently 12% below the needed amount.
Activities Director Mr. Alvear contributed to the success of the event. “We as a community have a greater responsibility to contribute to putting an end to the blood shortage that exists in New York City today,” he explained, adding that in the next school year, Leadership plans to host two blood drives, one in each the spring and fall semester.
On the day of, teachers and students lined up anxiously awaiting their turn to give blood. “I donated blood because I have plenty of it and someone else can use it. Blood is free, why not give it,” commented senior Mia Kraljev.
After giving blood, the donors connected with others over their mutual experience while snacking, and reflecting on the importance of their contribution. They displayed their accomplishments with fun stickers which read, “I just gave the gift of life” and “Be Nice to Me: It’s My First Blood Donation.”
“The Blood Drive was one more reminder that we have returned from covid to some greater sense of normalcy,” added Mr. Alvear. While we have moved past months of being stuck inside in fear of disease, there are still people being plagued by maladies everyday. This makes it even more important that the Fort community works together to help return blood donation numbers to their pre-pandemic levels.
In total, 126 students showed up to donate and 107 pints of blood were collected and donated to local hospitals, saving countless lives.
