SHS Hits New Record For Blood Donation

Community members gave a lot of the gift that keeps on giving.

A blood drive organized by The National Honor Society students of Souhegan High School and the Red Cross brought in 120 pints of blood for those in need. This surpassed their goal of 105 pints and is an all-time record for Souhegan.

Most of the donors were students, but faculty, parents and other community members also pitched in to help, according to NHS coordinator Jeanne Neverisky.

"Students and staff who donated blood, as well as those who made the logistics happen, can feel wonderful about this achievement and gift to people in need." said Neverisky.

55 of the donors were first-timers and 23 of them were 16-years-old, which is a very high percentage for this population according to the Red Cross.

Another 16 donors gave  32 pints through the “double-red” extraction process, which collects the red cells but returns most of the plasma and platelets to the donor. This process takes about 1 hour and 25 minutes and is done with the help of an apheresis machine.

Neverisky said that studies show donors who begin with a positive experience early in life continue to be active donors throughout their lives. 

"This will be an ongoing gift to people in crisis," she said.

For more information on the American Red Cross and to find a blood drive near you, visit their website at www.redcrossblood.org.