On March 23rd, Cathedral Catholic is hosting a blood drive through the American Red Cross for students (16+) and faculty to participate in. Donating blood is a great and easy way to help those in need, and it is now more accessible than ever through the school.

For some background, the Red Cross is a nonprofit organization, aiming to “prevent and relieve suffering with every action” like blood drives, disaster relief, training services, and volunteer services. The Red Cross began in World War II and has been healing and saving lives ever since by collecting blood from generous donors. According to the Red Cross page, March is Red Cross Month, “honoring the compassion that brings people together when help can’t wait.” CCHS senior Student Leandra Liem shared that, “[she’s] been involved in the Red Cross club since freshman year and [has] loved organizing blood drives and connecting with others who share this passion,” Leandra is a senior and is helping lead the upcoming drive. When asked why these blood drives are especially meaningful, Leandra says, “Each unit of blood collected can save up to three lives, and that’s an extremely beautiful thing we can do for others.”

Especially now, blood is extremely valuable and in high demand from the Red Cross club. “With the winter storm earlier this year heightening a nationwide blood shortage, I believe it’s our responsibility to help wherever we can,” adds Leandra.

“Getting donor sign ups is usually the most difficult part, since there are many regulations and logistics for students to donate blood,” states Liem. The blood drive is open to any students 16 or over with their parents’ consent. You need to be in generally good health and at least 110 pounds.

“The actual blood donation doesn’t start until they give you a quick check up to make sure you can properly donate blood,” says fellow senior leader Mya Sheehy. For anyone who is thinking about donating blood for the first time, Mya shares, “The anticipation is truly so much worse than the process itself. All you have to do is lay down while the staff guides you through everything else. Plus you get snacks afterward!”

Even just 1 person donating has a bigger impact than you would think. “People often think that their one action won’t make a difference, but after seeing the blood drive come together, I have seen how important every single donation is,” Mya says. “A community is strongest when everyone contributes in some way.”

Now more than ever, students can make a massive impact on someone’s life just by simply donating blood. If you are able to, please consider donating on March 23rd!