Did you know that one pint of blood helps save three lives? The after school hours Med Tech Blood Drive May 1 was beneficial not only to the ones who will be receiving the blood, but it’s more convenient for the donors as well.

The American Red Cross nurses took the blood while Northview and Southview Med Tech students helped all those donating. They escorted all the patients from table to table and were “hand-holders”, which means they guided them and watched them after the donor gave their blood.

Senior Rosie Youssef, (blood donor) helped by being an escort and donating. “It’s nerve racking, but it’s good knowing I’m saving three lives. It’s very rewarding. The needle does hurt a little bit when it goes in, but it’s painless afterwards,” Youssef said.

Donating blood is sometimes hard work so you have to get your body ready for it. Eating lots of iron rich foods helps to prevent iron deficiency. Also drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated during and after donating helps.

Senior Med Tech teacher Pat Johnson, RN, coordinated the blood drive with The American Red Cross. After everyone was done giving blood the ARC took it, processed it, and made it eligible for use. After the nurse puts the blood type on the label it goes back to The American Red Cross which gives it to blood banks all over. “I love it,” Mrs. Johnson  said. “I get to be a teacher and a nurse at the same time. A lot of fun everyday.”

The program was informed they were actually 21 units short of being eligible for a scholarship. They had 179 units and they needed 200. They plan to try again next year hoping to beat their own goal.

–Syd Donahue, Staff Writer