On Friday, Jan. 6, 2016, Bel Air High School held their Annual Blood Drive in the Media Center.

With both students and parents approved to donate blood, the school was amply prepared to give to the American Red Cross, which ran the drive from 7:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Overall, about 50 students and 20 walk-in parents registered to give blood – a great turn out for the drive!

Mrs. McDonough, Bel Air High School’s liaison for the Annual Blood Drive, showed her appreciation for the yearly event, stating, “Every time you donate blood you potentially save nine lives. That’s a huge deal. We’ve been doing this for years and I can’t even tell you the number of lives we’ve saved. I am a total supporter.”

Whether they were senior participants or new to the whole experience, everyone enjoyed their time helping the amazing cause.

“My mom’s always donated blood and I’ve always wanted to, but have never been old enough.” Rachel Long, a junior and first-time donor states. “So, when I found out we were doing this here, it was the perfect opportunity.” Long plans to continue to donate in the future and encourages other people to donate as well, saying, “It’s so easy! And you get out of class… Perks!!”

Even though there might be some who are a little skeptical to donate, it’s important that, if you can donate, you are heavily considering giving. Shamika Christian, a returning employee to the American Red Cross, shared her views on the subject, stating that “less than 5% of the population actually donates.”

“It’s important that people who are able to donate blood are willing to. We need blood constantly I know a lot of people hate needles, but it’s important.” Says Christian. “If the roles were reversed and you or a loved one needed blood, you would want to do anything you could to help them. If you’re willing to overcome your fear, then please donate if you can!”

The American Red Cross pays visits and hosts blood drives all around Bel Air, so make sure, if you didn’t get a chance to donate this time around, to keep an eye out for the next one. Thank you again to all of the students, faculty, and walk-ins that participated in this year’s drive, and we look forward to many more outstanding turnouts in the years to come!