Sponsored by the National Honor Society
by Maralyn Fink
Arriving at St. Johns High School, I was anxious to check on the blood drive sponsored by The National Honor Society.
In the gym I was greeted by Rachael Gnegy, the Advisor for this group. Meeting the student volunteers and snapping some shots, I then focused on the drive itself.
Students were in full swing on the donor cots to give “the gift of life”. I am proud of these students as their day began at 6 a.m. because that is the time the Red Cross trucks roll in to start setting up. The event lasted until 2 p.m.
I learned the routine as to how this all takes place. Students sign up and they are assigned a time for donating, they attend their classes waiting for the “scooter girls” to arrive at their class room to tell the donor it is time to head to the gym, and this is done every 15 minutes. Sounds fool-proof to me.
There they are interviewed privately by a Red Cross volunteer and then await in the donor area until they are called. They are monitored during and after the procedure and then must visit the canteen for food and a drink. There is also a private sick bay for anyone who feels faint or just not feeling well and monitored by the Red Cross.
Any student 16 or under need to have a signed parental slip and those over 16 need their drivers license. It takes around 45-50 minutes for the donation of blood.
The event is planned starting the first of November. Mrs. Gnegy has a contact for the Red Cross. Someone needs blood every two seconds.
To Mrs. Gnegy and student volunteers, you are doing such a great deed for this community and the Red Cross. I applaud you for all your hard work.
Last but not least, I must stop at the canteen…. guess I’ll have a cookie.