Blood donations act as a key factor in saving lives, one person signing up to donate blood can save up to three people.

The blood donated may be used in various ways: to increase a person’s survival after severe trauma, assist in complex medical procedures, ectopic pregnancies (where the fetus develops outside the uterus), and even medical research for new cures.

Knowing that your blood can help others in need is a good feeling. It can make you feel more connected with the community while showing your compassion for others.

Senior Emily Davis believes donations are crucial in saving lives.

“The purpose of donating blood is to help the community and your fellow man,” Davis said.  “At some point or another, we may all need blood. Some people may need it for medical reasons and need constant transfusions. For others, they need it for an emergency or an accident and it may be an immediate need. It may be you or a loved one who needs it someday.”

Keep in mind, with a high demand for blood donations, combined with a small proportion of donations, only 38% of the American population (according to American Red Cross statistic) remains eligible to donate blood, yet 10% of that 38% actually donate, while many lives remain in danger due to a lack of donors. You can help increase this percentage by donating blood.

The high school requirements for donating blood requires the donor to be in good health, weight at least 110 lbs, and have parental permission if they are under 18.

After passing the requirements, the procedure involves giving the Red Cross staff your medical history (past health issues, medication taken in the past if any taken at all, locations traveled etc.)  and anything they should know before donating blood.

It’s recommended that one should stay hydrated and eat a healthy meal a day prior to donating blood.

Sophomore donor Andrew Severance believes everyone should participate in donating blood.

“I was happy to help out while donating my blood,” Severance said. “It’s good to help out and everyone should do it.”

If you cannot donate blood due to certain reasons, there are many ways you can still help the cause for donating blood such as volunteering at blood drives or spreading the information to peers about how and where to donate blood.

Senior Brandon Struble, a first-time blood donor summarizes the impact one has donations.

“You just have a huge impact for a small amount of time you take,” Struble said.