Sierra Lutheran High School helps blood banks meet demand

The Sierra Lutheran High School Student Government hosted a blood drive on Feb. 15 in the SLHS gym.

All blood donated during the drive was given to United Blood Services and will be distributed to local hospitals. Student Body President Elaina Marchegger said what makes the blood drive especially important — the blood goes “directly to people in our community who need it most.”

Eighteen students and members of the community came by Sierra Lutheran to donate their blood.

The process, although time consuming, is not difficult. After ensuring that participants meet the height, age, and weight requirements, employees of United Blood Services interview the potential donors about their lifestyle to ensure their blood will be beneficial to the recipient. If everything checks out, it takes just 30 minutes to give blood.

The blood drive is a long-standing service project for SLHS’ Student Government organization because there’s always a need. United Blood Services alone benefits more than 25 million people, in 500 hospitals across 18 states.

As Marchegger explains, “There’s a big need and many people don’t know they can donate.”

By hosting a blood drive, Student Government is not only gathering donations, but they’re also raising awareness and educating the student body about this important need.

Claire Cochran is a student at Sierra Lutheran High School.