January, 15 2016

By Trinity Mathis, Randi Miick, Joshua Langeliers

In 1665, the first recorded successful blood transfusion occurred in England. Physician Richard Lower kept a dog alive by transfusing blood from other dogs. From 1665 to 1940, research was done on blood transfusion and blood cells. In 1941 the Red Cross was formed and the National Blood Donor Service collected blood for the U.S military with Dr. Charles R. Drew. Throughout 1941 to 2002, the Red Cross has been collecting blood for those in need, and Phoenix High School was privileged to have the Red Cross come and run a blood drive with the students.  

 

On January 6th, 2016, the Red Cross came to Phoenix High School for the whole day and helped extract blood from the volunteering students. Approximately 50 students went and donated blood. Danika Meer said that she donated her blood because other people need it and it would be good to donate. All the students that were a part of this have done something that can help another person in need. After they finished, the students were given snack such as chips and cookies with some juice.

 

Why do people donate blood? They donate because it can save millions of peoples’ lives and improve health. When someone donate blood, that is one life that could be possibly be saved. There are also many other reasons to why one should donate blood.  Giving a pint of blood can help up to three people; if donors gave blood two to four times a year, it would prevent blood shortages as well as many other reasons. Not only does it help others, but we mentally know that we are doing something good and can feel happy afterwards.