Senior service project brings in over 30 donations
October 11, 2015
The Fall Blood Drive, a service project of the class of 2016, brought in over 30 donations.
Bloodworks Northwest, formally know as the Puget Sound Blood Center, will confirm the total Monday afternoon.
The sign up list, circulated during lunches in the week leading up to the donation day, had 42 student volunteers listed on it.
Nearly a third of the people who signed up to donate did not show up to donate.
“In a sense,” said Mr. Chris Grasseschi, the senior class moderator and coordinator of the service project, “the blood drive was disappointing. So many people pledged to donate and then didn’t show up. But at the same time, we brought in almost 40 donations, and that is fantastic! 120 lives were saved because of our efforts.”
The class will host another drive in the spring.
18 year olds who weigh at least 110 pounds may donate whole blood with parental permission
First time 16 or 17 year old male donors who weigh at least 114 pounds and first time 16 or 17 year old female donors who weigh at least 125 pounds may donate with a Bloodworks Northwest permission slip signed by a parent or guardian.
16 or 17 year olds who weigh at least 114 pounds may donate with a Bloodworks Northwest permission slip signed by a parent or guardian at a BloodworksNW donor center.
Those who did donate are reminded to hydrate thoughout this week. Your body replaces plasma in about 24 hours, red cells are restored in two to four weeks, and platelets are replenished in about 72 hours. You should drink extra fluids, like water or juice.
Bloodworks officials state that athletes should avoid strenuous activity such as lifting, pushing, or picking up heavy objects for 12 hours after giving blood. Drink plenty of fluids. Stick to a light or recovery workout depending on how they feel. It’s a good idea to wait three days before practicing vigorously or competing as they may become dehydrated.
