Students Help With Blood Drive

Nickolas+Mellinger+prepares+to+have+his+blood+taken

Nickolas Mellinger prepares to have his blood taken

Megan Wiens, Co-Editor

    The biannual blood drive was held at MHS this past Wednesday, on March 1st. Students who signed up went to the auxiliary gym throughout the day to donate. Helping with the drive were volunteers from the AP Literature class. Senior Mensi Patel, who helped set up beds and food for donors during her first hour, was one of the volunteers.

    “It really showed me how much effort those who run the blood drive put into making those who donate comfortable,” Patel said, “People are usually quick to critique the layout of the beds or the attitude of the nurses, but after seeing how much equipment they have to unload and set up and all the complications they have to deal with, I have gained a lot of respect for the workers.”

    Patel said it was clear that every nurse really cared about what they were doing, and they were all very diligent in the work they did.

    “I truly learned to appreciate the patience that the nurses have with all the people they deal with,” Patel said.

     Patel plans on helping out again, if she gets the opportunity.  

     “The best part was that I got a unique experience with some of my closest friends,” Patel said.

    One student who donated blood was junior Nickolas Mellinger. This was Mellinger’s first time donating blood, but he says he would definitely do it again.

    “I think it’s interesting that by donating a small portion of my blood I could possibly save lives,” Mellinger said.

     To encourage people who can donate blood to do it, Mellinger would tell them that donating blood helps others tremendously, and to just do it because “it’s not everyday you have the chance to donate blood.”

      Students may donate blood with parents permission if they are sixteen or older. Before blood is taken, students are required to give background information on their health. Their blood pressure, pulse, and body temperature are also all taken into account before giving blood. Afterwards, they are offered snacks and are allowed to rest before returning to class. The MHS blood drive has been hosted by American Red Cross for many years, and their trips are not expected to end. The next blood drive at MHS is predicted to be in the fall of 2017.