Every two seconds, someone in the US requires blood; more than 41,000 donations are needed daily. This Thursday, October 20th, from 12:00 pm-6:00 pm, our school is hosting a Red Cross Blood Drive on campus at the foyer of the theatre.

The purpose of the blood drive is to help save the lives of many people all over the US who need blood. Over the years, our school has collected 282 pints of blood which has been used to help save 846 lives. Participating in the blood drive will help save the lives of many who have gotten in an accident, need surgery, or are battling an illness. Signing up will allow students an opportunity to not only help others but also establish a scholarship fund. The more pints of blood our school collects, the more scholarship money our school is eligible to receive.

After asking Neve Walker ‘23 some questions, she shared that she is participating in the blood drive. The blood drive is important to her because up to 3 lives can be saved by just one person donating; 350 units of blood are needed each day in San Diego. If the Cathedral Catholic community can help save people’s lives, she thinks hosting a blood drive is worth the work. Some advice she would give someone who might be nervous to get their blood drawn but still want to participate is just to reaffirm the safety of donating blood. There are certain requirements needed to keep everyone safe. Many people are scared to donate, but she believes that the pro of saving up to three lives outweighs the con of being scared.

Some tips to consider for a successful donation are eating properly and being well-rested and hydrated the day before. On the day of the donation, have your Photo ID and Medication List ready. Lastly, drink extra fluids and avoid heavy lifting or vigorous exercise for the rest of the day. You can sign up here and check if you are eligible here.