Blood Drive at CJSHS

Each year, an estimated 6.8 million people in the U.S. donate blood. 13.6 million units of whole blood and red blood cells are collected in the U.S. in a year. The Red Cross goes to many schools across the country and school students and staff give blood so that people will have it when needed.

On April 16th the Red Cross visited the Cortland Junior Senior High School where approximately 30 students and staff donated blood. Anyone sixteen years or older could donate blood so this included students and staff from sophomores on up.

Isaiah, a junior who is 17 years old, gave blood for the first time. He stated that it hurt a bit but it was over in about five minutes or so and he felt good about helping other people who might need blood. Cheyanne, a senior, also gave blood for the first time. Cheyanne currently has a job in health care and said that giving blood was her way of giving back.

Kadison, a senior, has given blood four times and was working the check-in table. Kadison mentioned that giving blood was a “free opportunity to help people if she can”.

Everyone who donated or volunteered stated that they plan on giving blood in the future.