On January 15, 2025, Selma High’s Red Cross Club partnered with Central California Blood Center to organize their first blood drive of the year. It took place in the MPR during school for students and teachers alike to donate blood, resulting in 42 donors.
Club Advisor Ms. Garcia helped organize and prepare the blood drive alongside Club President Alyssa Salazar, to achieve a smooth and successful blood drive.
“Our goal as a club was to get 50 donations. We almost met that with 42 total donors,” expressed Garcia. She further explained that despite many students signing up for the drive, they ran into unexpected challenges, such as students forgetting their permission slips. Additionally, to ensure high-quality blood and care for the donor, Central California Blood Center has a list of eligibility requirements, such as the minimum iron level a donor can have. To ensure this, donors are required to answer a variety of questions, such as reporting any recent surgeries, infections, piercings, or tattoos. Then their iron is tested and if it’s below the minimum requirement, they’ll unfortunately be unable to donate. Participants shouldn’t be discouraged if their iron is too low. There can be various reasons as to why and are always encouraged to try again in the future.
In preparation for the blood drive, the club posted Disney-themed posters to advertise and inform students. The club also utilized the school’s daily bulletin and the club’s Instagram: redcrossclub.selmahigh, to provide information and encourage volunteers.
“The Central California Blood Center also came out to table at lunch a few times, offering donations, snacks, and swag!” exclaimed Garcia.
The efforts on campus successfully inspired students and teachers to sign up for the drive and to keep the donation process organized, passes were sent out by club members to excuse students who signed up to donate blood.
The drive was a positive experience for many first-time donors such as senior Lewis Allen.
“I personally loved the blood drive. The staff was very kind and caring, constantly making sure you felt at ease and as comfortable as possible before and after the blood drawing,” described Allen.
Additionally, the drive was well received by experienced donors such as Elizabeth Fransen, as this blood drive marks her third or fourth time.
“A lot of people don’t want to donate because they are scared that it will hurt but the people are always really careful as they are drawing your blood and it only leaves a tiny bruise afterward,” Fransen added. “Plus they always have snacks and often a gift card or something for you to take after.”
Donating blood is a great way to give back to those in need and could make the difference in saving someone’s life.
“I think it is important to donate because it is something that I can do for others that only takes about an hour of my day. I may not know who exactly I am helping but I do know that whoever it is they will be happy for it,” expressed Fransen. “I have several family members that have needed blood in the past and if I was in that situation I would be so thankful that somebody else had the courage to donate for me.”
Overall, the Red Cross Blood Drive was a success! If you’re someone who wants to make an impact on others’ lives, be a part of the next blood drive that’ll take place the first week of April!
“Thank you to all the staff and students that came out to donate!” concluded Garcia.
