Aliso Niguel’s 2024 blood drive was held on Thursday Feb. 29, 2024 and many students attended to give blood for a good cause.
The blood drive took place from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the gym and students had a chance to sign up on Thursday and Friday prior to the event in the junior area during lunch, or through the ‘anhs wolverines” Instagram page.
Students who participated in the blood drive were given a $10 gift card and encouraged to donate blood that would save up to three lives. Donors must be 15 years or older and students who made an appointment were given a call slip to miss 30 to 40 minutes of their period of preference to go to the gym and donate their blood.
Many student and adult volunteers helped with the Aliso Niguel Blood Drive, with arrivals for volunteers beginning at 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Multiple shifts were available for volunteers to check in students and stock the refreshment tables for donors and blood drive employees oversaw the overall donation process.
Mariam Taheri (12), a senior who participated in the 2023 and 2024 blood drives says, “I always like to donate blood for a good cause because I know it’s helping some people in need and since it’s on campus, it’s easy and quick. I know that some people think donating their blood is scary but it was honestly a fun experience and the staff and volunteers were so nice.” She also adds, “After they took my blood I was able to rest for a couple of minutes to make sure my body was well adjusted and I got to grab a snack and drink before heading back to class.”
The blood drive is a great way for students to get involved and donate their blood to people in need without the hassle of going to a hospital or medical center.
The Aliso Niguel blood drive also provides a great opportunity for students to volunteer and learn about the medical process of drawing blood, for those who are interested in the healthcare profession.
Asal Flodius (12) says, “I’m looking at pursuing a career in vet tech and working in clinics and labs so seeing the process at the blood drive helped me realize that health centers are sometimes chaotic.”
Students who were planning on donating blood were instructed to stay hydrated and eat a full breakfast the morning before the donation and once arrived, students were prompted to complete a questionnaire, followed by a small blood sample test to make sure their health was up to par.
Overall, the process of donating blood was simple for many students and large groups of teenagers showed up, eager to donate blood and help those in need. Having a sufficient blood supply on hand is crucial in hospitals and health care facilities and through Aliso Niguel students’ donations, many lives have been saved.
