On Wednesday, November 1 in the west gym balcony, students ages 16 and up were eligible to sign up and donate blood from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Students who signed up to donate blood for the blood drive missed approximately 45-60 minutes from their class for a good cause. Glenbard North allows students to help people in their community who are at risk of losing their lives by donating blood to save lives. What students should know before donating blood is to keep hydrated throughout the day to prevent feeling light headed after donating blood. They should also eat healthy meals, and not skip any meals.

According to the Red Cross, “Every two seconds, someone in the United States requires a blood transfusion. This year, however, the United States is facing its worst blood shortage in more than a decade.” Allowing students to donate some of their blood during school helps increase the amount of donors and also gives students who might have busy schedules able to save lives. “One blood donation can save up to three lives,” said Robert A. DeSimone MD, director of transfusion medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center.

According to Vitalant Blood Donation, “One of the most evident and profound benefits of donating blood is the ability to save lives. About 1 in 7 hospital patients will require a blood transfusion, and by donating, you can make an immeasurable difference for trauma victims, people undergoing surgery, and those battling cancer.”

Donating blood can also benefit the donor. According to Vitalant Blood Donation “Volunteering can combat depression, increase self-confidence and bring fun and fulfillment to your life — it may even help you live longer.” This is especially beneficial to young adolescents because the majority of them deal with these issues, and donating can not only help others but also themselves.