Student Blood Donors Brave the Needles, Save Lives

Perry Hall High School senior Richard Serpe was a fearless first-time blood donor.

“The small amount of pain I’ll feel is nothing compared to the lives that will be saved with the blood I’m donating," Serpe said.

Serpe, along with about 40 other students, donated blood at the school's semiannual American Red Cross blood drive Wednesday.

Students Against Destructive Decisions, a school organization, sponsors fall and spring blood drives each year. The drive hits home for many of the teachers and students, said Brandi Layton, a SADD adviser and social studies teacher.

“At PHHS alone I have met several people who have required a blood transfusion in their life. One was a student of mine would have died last year without a blood transfusion," Layton said.

Red Cross staff member Raeisha Clay said, “For one, we come to Perry Hall High School because first-time blood donors will continue to donate and will pass the word around about the drives. Also, we need the blood."

It took about 15 minutes to donate blood at the event. One pint of donated blood can help up to three people, after it is taken to a laboratory to be processed, according to the Red Cross website. Workers said the donated blood will be used for transfusions throughout the country.

Each donor received a sticker and online voucher for T-shirts. But students said that rewards were not the prime reason they donated blood.

“This is my fifth blood donation. I give blood to contribute towards the research of sickle cell, since members of my family needed ... blood," senior Kenya Robinson said.

Senior and third-time donor Heather Lancellotti said, “I take the opportunity to donate because I have a rare blood type that can help anyone who needs blood.”

“I’m not scared because I’m not afraid of needles," junior and first-time donor T’Leyah Johnson said. "I thought it would be a good idea to donate.”