This past Oct. 6, students gathered in the staircase D hallway, waiting to save three lives.  One pint of blood, out of the 8 to 12 that the body has, can be used to help three people in need of blood. Rex Hospital Blood Service held the annual blood drive at Athens from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 6.

      “I estimate 115 people came today and out of the 115 who came, 90 of units of blood will be good, useable units,” said Carol Boyle, client representative for Rex Blood services. “We received a very good turnout.”

      Boyle has been working at the Rex Blood Services for 10 years, and Rex has been returning to Athens for over 10 years for the blood drive.  The Rex Blood Services program goes to schools in counties throughout the state to gather blood.  This program was sponsored by the Medical Science club at Athens.  Many students turned out for the event, some for the first time.  Others returned from past years. 

       “I love it, I enjoy the kids coming in,” said Boyle.  “25 percent of the blood we collect comes from high schools.”

       At the Blood Drive, 120 spots were available, and there were 110 registered donors.  From these 110 donors, 86 pints of blood were collected. These pints can help up to 256 area patients.  Doners received a snack, to bring up their blood sugar, and a t-shirt.

       “I think that this year the blood drive went smoothly and I am pleased with the turnout,” said Deborah Wagner, medical science teacher at Athens, who has been involved with the blood drive for the past 6 years.  “Blood has a shelf life of only 21 days so hospitals are constantly in need of more.  The blood received can be used in various ways.  In one unit, packed red blood cells, white blood cells or platelets for clotting can be used.”

       However, there were some requirements for the students. In order to donate blood you have to be 17 years old and at least 110 pounds.  Donors should have a good night sleep and get plenty of fluids.  After donating, donors should avoid strenuous exercise and drink plenty of liquids. 

     “I wanted to save three lives,” said Mackenzie Cambron, senior.

    “Yes I’ll do it again,” said Alexa Wright, senior.
    Rex Blood Services will also hold another Blood Drive later this year Tuesday, April 13.  Students that donate can receive National Honor Society (NHS), National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) or Key club service hours along with the knowledge that they saved three lives.