Annual blood drive
Nov. 23 marked the day that Aragon had its annual blood drive. Blood Centers of the Pacific set up in two trailers in the parking lot opposite of room 112. They do this every year at Aragon and other schools and businesses around the Bay Area.
Every two seconds, someone needs blood, and an adequate blood supply is crucial to their survival. One pint of blood can save up to four lives. There is no substitute for human blood and donors are the only source. The demand for blood continues to increase, yet only five percent of the population donates.
For a person to donate blood, they have to be at least 17 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds. In addition, they have to feel well and meet a certain blood pressure, pulse, and temperature. However, those who have allergy infections or any kind of sickness are not allowed to donate. It takes at most an hour to take a pint of blood. Students who sign up are allowed to leave class so they can donate blood.
Senior Michael Nakamura was one of many to donate his blood both as a senior and as a junior. “It’s not a really big effort, and you save lives. Helping out feels good,” says Nakamura.
It was senior Erika Bass’ first time donating blood, and she was pretty nervous. “I don’t like needles that much,” says Bass. “I was wondering if it would hurt if you had a tube hooked up to you for a long time, and I swear it’s not that bad!” Erika thinks that after the first initial poke, she did not even notice the tube. It helped that the workers put a cloth over her arm so that she couldn’t see the tube. “You save lives,” says Bass, “why not do it?
