Salisbury High School Hosts Blood Drive

If it is the case one blood donation can save up to three lives, then Salisbury High School saved a lot of lives from the blood drive held inside the gymn last week.

With a collection of 46 donations, the March 2 blood drive was one of the school's most successful, said Jennifer Brinson, an instructional coach and advisor to the Student Government Association, which spearheads the annual blood drive.

Alexa Bartel, 17,  was among those who donated blood for the first time. "I thought it was good thing to do," she said.

Cody Nickisher, 18, donated because he "decided to save lives."

 “How many high school students can say they’ve saved three lives today?,” Brinson said.

Seniors Sarah Kinsell, 17, and Kate Turri, 18, both Student Government Association members took leadership roles in the drive and helped ensure the event ran smoothly. The pair recruited blood donors, created a donation schedule, checked permission slips and helped to unload equipment from the Miller-Keystone Blood Center truck.

Students and teachers participated in the blood drive which was held in the school gym.  After donors checked in at a table set up near the door, they were given information about blood donation and questioned to see if they were eligible.  Some were turned away due to illness, low iron levels, low blood pressure, recent tattoos or piercings, not weighing the minimum 110 lbs or age.

After donating blood, participants were required to sit in the canteen area for 15 minutes where they received cookies and drinks to help control blood sugar levels.

At least 10 teachers successfully donated along with Principal Heather Morningstar, Brinson said. 

The school holds three blood drives each year— November, March and May. The events are staggered in part because donors need to wait eight weeks to replenish their red blood cell supply.

Brinson said the school's blood drives are open to the public. Members of the community interested in attending a blood drive should e-mail Brinson at jbrinson@stsd.org.  For more information about blood donation, visit www.giveapint.org.