Donate at One of Our Blood Drives by Samantha Langley

"I don't want to give blood because I'm afraid of needles." I cannot tell you how many people I know who have used this as an excuse to not give blood. However, in all actuality giving blood is not bad at all. The needle really doesn't hurt that much; in fact, when you fall and skin your knee, it hurts more than giving blood does.  The fact that you could save up to three lives through blood donation is a great motivator.

The blood donation process is relatively easy. You sign up with the school. You will go into a private area and fill out a little bit of paperwork, and will be given a book to read. The Red Cross staff will then take you down to cubicle-like set up, and ask you questions. The questions are really easy and are like: Have you been out of the country in the last year? Have you ever given blood under an assumed name?  After this they will prick your finger, tell your blood type, and make sure your blood is healthy. Once you finish with that station, they will lead you to reclining chairs. The nurse will come over to you, and stick the needle in your arm. The needle doesn't hurt. The machine will extract the blood, but it doesn't hurt.  The nurse will then remove the needle. You can then go and drink and eat yummy snacks. How awesome is that!
   
As you can see giving blood is a relative easy process that can save up to three lives. So many people say they want to help people, and that they want to do good with their lives. What can you do that is a more worthwhile cause? How many other things can we do to save lives?   It doesn't hurt, and lasting effects are rare. So why not do it?

Below are the dates for the blood drives at our local high schools. Individuals 16 years old and older are eligible to donate. However, all 16-year olds must have a signed parent consent form.

Chatham Central will hold its annual blood drive on April 16.

Jordan-Matthews has a HOSA-sponsored blood drive scheduled for Tuesday, May 25, from 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. in the school auditorium.  The drive is open to the public.

Northwood has already held its annual blood drive.