On March 18, St. Joseph High School hosted its first blood drive at the school gymnasium with a total of forty-three distinct donors.  Not only was it a successful turnout, but the ratio of first-time donors to experienced donors was nearly five to one. 

     Although seventeen of forty-three donors were deferred, their courage and sense of generosity commands a lot of respect as well.  Seniors, who opted to fulfill their Christian service at the blood center across the street, helped escort donors to the snack area and, if need be, to classes.

     The New York Blood Center and the American Red Cross report that out of eighty-five percent of healthy potential blood donors, the amount that does donate is approximately five percent. Thus, there’s a definite need for new blood donors.

     Did you know one unit of blood can help save the lives of three people? In the United States, a blood transfusion is needed almost every two seconds. 

     Hopefully, St. Joseph High School will conduct many more blood donation events.  Giving blood has to be one of the most efficient and easy ways to save lives. 

     New York Blood Center provides snacks, such as Oreos, crackers and drinks such as apple juice for free.  So if saving three people’s lives by donating blood for about ten minutes isn’t enough of an incentive, then a free concession stand should definitely help. 

     For more information and questions about eligibility, technicalities, or to schedule a blood donation, call 1-800-933-BLOOD or visit www.nybloodcenter.org.