ASB Blood Drive: Saving Lives One Pint at a Time
On October 26th, Culver City High School ASB hosted the first of their three annual blood drives in partnership with UCLA Health. Students 16 years and older (parental consent form required for all 16 year olds) are being asked to participate in a life saving effort to fill the blood supply of local UCLA Health hospitals. That day, from 1st to 4th period, participating students will be called out of classes to have their blood drawn and collected on campus.
UCLA Health has one of the world's most active organ transplant programs, is a trauma care center, and a major center for the treatment of cancer. All of these vital programs require a high volume of blood and platelets (the cells in your bone marrow that clot blood, and stop bleeding) to complete their duties. In order to supply their medical centers with a safe and varied supply of blood types, the organization frequently hosts blood drives in partnership with community organizations, colleges, and high schools like CCHS. Students who choose to participate in the event will be rewarded with snacks on the day of and a $10 gift card.
Outside of the incentives given by ASB, donating blood in general has numerous personal benefits. It can improve the cardiovascular health of the donor, as it reduces blood viscosity, lowers blood pressure and manages iron levels. Not to mention, altruistic acts like giving blood can lower stress, improve overall mental health and provide a strong sense of purpose.
“It felt good to give back. It was a really rewarding experience, “ said senior Carmen Piro, who has participated in three CCHS blood drives.
For the it to be successful, ASB needs at least 60 donors to take part (although they often greatly exceed this number). The drive is a simple way for high school students to help out their community; each person who decides to donate saves three lives. When asked why students should take part in the blood drive, Lucine Linnemayr, ASB Special Events Coordinator said to, “Do it for someone else.”
To sign up, and save lives, visit the UCLA Health Blood and Platelet Center website or reach out to any ASB member.