Mosquitos aren’t the only ones that need blood this season. 

Due to COVID-19 and the lockdowns across the country, the Red Cross reports that there’s currently a blood shortage in America. Many blood drives were canceled due to the virus, which has led to the nation’s blood storage dropping lower than average. So right now is a crucial time to give blood. 

A Vitalant blood drive was held at Powell High School on Feb 23. Staff and students both attended and a total of 42 people donated blood, each giving 500 mL. The drive was organized by PHS junior Jace Bohlman and ran with the help of other NHS members.

“As the community service committee leader it gave me an idea to host a blood drive at the high school through NHS,” Bohlman said. “I organized all the community service events and organized people for the events as well.”

Donating blood is a way to help others. 36,000 units of blood are needed every day in the U.S. Therefore, those who played a part in donating blood at PHS helped others in need. 

“It’s important to give blood because right now [our country is] in a blood shortage,”  Bohlman said. “In general, it’s important for diseases that frequently need blood such as Leukemia, cancer and surgeries.” 

Some participants, such as junior Riley Schiller, felt lightheaded after donating but said they still thought that it was an important thing to do. 

“I decided to donate because my friend brought it to my attention,” Schiller said. “I thought it was a good cause and something that I should do. Especially when it doesn’t take much time or effort.” 

This little time and effort could be vital for some. These donations could be the only chance for someone to receive the care and blood they need.

According to “What to know about the Coronavirus and Blood Donation” on redcrossblood.org, “Volunteer donors are the only source of blood for those in need. As hospitals resume surgical procedures and patient treatments that were temporarily paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic, donors are urged to give now to ensure blood products are readily available for patients.”