Every two seconds in the United States, someone needs blood. Donated blood is used for almost every trauma surgery and is required for any blood transfusion for a cancer patient. Thanks to Southern Lehigh’s student council, 58 pints of blood were collected at this year’s fall Miller-Keystone blood drive.

With parental permission, students age 17 and older were allowed to donate blood as long as they met the requirements. These included a weight of at least 110 pounds, sufficient iron levels, and the ability to deal with needles.

For many students, the benefits outweigh the negative effects of giving blood.

“I am a little nervous,” senior Eric Scott said before giving blood, “but it helps to know I’ll be helping people.”

Upon checking in at the blood drive, the students were asked to fill out a new donor card. Since this event was sponsored by Student Council, the club wanted to give incentives for participating.  A free pair of prom tickets were raffled off to any student who donated blood.

After filling out the new donor card, students checked in with Miller-Keystone and read a packet which outlined what to expect with blood donation. The donors proceeded to get their blood iron levels tested and were asked a series of personal questions.

While they had their blood drawn, donors were each offered a snack and a drink high in sugar. Each donor also had an ice bag placed on his or her neck; this slows down the vasovagal response and helps prevent feeling dizzy. Next to each donor was a bag for the blood being drawn.

Most students said they experienced typical side effects afterward.

“I am just really hungry, thirsty and a little lightheaded,” senior Troy Reppert said, “but I am happy because I might have saved a life.”

Some students didn’t react as well to blood donation. Many students were very close to passing out and had to have their chairs lowered to regain blood flow to the brain.

Regardless of some of the negatives side effects, most students felt fulfilled.

“I feel happy that I will hopefully be able to help someone or save a life,” junior Olivia Durkin said.

After blood donation, each donor was required to stay in the board room and eat food and drinks for 20 minutes. Many of the students enjoyed getting to miss class and eat the donuts that were offered by the volunteers.

Several teachers also donated.  One anonymous staff member says he did it to “help others…and for the cookies.”

Another way to help is to volunteer at a blood drive.  One volunteer named Judi explained why she decided to work with Miller-Keystone.

“I am unable to donate blood,” she said. “So this is my way of compensating for that, because I know how important blood donation is.”  Judi also joked that she really likes “messing with the kids.”

Not everyone from Miller-Keystone was a volunteer. Many of the workers were medical assistants. For most of the medical assistants, they could not have asked for a better job.

“It is a big deal for me,” one Miller-Keystone medical assistant, Gene, said. “My dad needed three units of blood and it is more personal to me. I come to work everyday and I love saving lives. It is so rewarding.”

Regardless of the reason for working with Miller-Keystone or the reason for donation, all the help is greatly appreciated by those who need it.  One blood donation can save four lives.