41 PHS students participated in the school’s second annual National Honors Society blood drive on Feb. 22. For each person donating, up to three lives were saved by their blood. Snacks were eaten, blood was drawn and lives were saved. 

Last year, after hearing about the United State’s national blood shortage, PHS’ President of NHS senior Jace Bohlman began reaching out to sources to host a bloodrive. After seeing the shortage impact our local hospitals so negatively, the students of NHS wanted to help. The blood drive was something accessible to schools and still easy to help in a significant way. A year later, the student organization has made their blood drive well known and are already on their way to their second donation of 2022.

“Two, two two, two two, twosday,” said Bohlman. “It’s a fun way to remember it.”

Whether it was donating blood, providing food or organizing the event, many students outside of NHS were eager to help the drive in any way they could on this special Tuesday. Although the blood drive was fairly uncharted territory to most students, they were willing to give it a shot. 

“Getting my blood drawn was an overall good experience,” PHS junior Alexa Nardini said. “I really liked being able to help others in such an easy way.”

The blood drive was provided for by the blood donation network Vitalant. NHS found the network provided easier access to the equipment and professionals needed to host a blood dive. For such a simple procedure, there are  many regulations that need to be followed as someone who is donating blood. 

According to the American Red Cross blood services, “You must weigh at least 110 lbs to be eligible for blood donation for your own safety. Students who donate at high school drives and donors 18 years of age or younger must also meet additional height and weight requirements for whole blood donation (applies to girls shorter than 5’6″ and boys shorter than 5′).”

Alongside medications and any diseases, height and weight are one of the many things checked before someone is allowed to donate blood. Blood volume is determined by body weight and height. Individuals with low blood volumes may not withstand the removal of the required volume of blood safely. 

Many are hoping PHS will continue to be a part of this in years to come and continue to help out our healthcare system. 

“I’m really excited for how the blood drive will continue on after I graduate,” Bohlman said. “Chase Anderson is planning on taking over organizing the blood drive next year. And so hopefully we will be successful in collecting a bunch of blood and helping save lives for many years to come.”