The April’s blood drive was held April 25th 2016. Nineteen students signed up to donate their blood to those in need. The blood drives are held at the Elizabeth Baptist Church-Fellowship Hall. (791 Mulberry Street Elizabeth, WV 26143) This blood drive was held from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Courtney Burn stated, “I believe the blood drive was a success and would like to thank everyone who participated in the drive.”
The drive is Co-sponsored by Wirt County High School and Elizabeth Baptist Church. The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Give blood. Nineteen students and seven staff members signed up to give blood. The Red Cross collected twenty whole blood donation and one double donation. These donations have the potential to save 58 hospital patients who rely on our combined efforts for life-saving blood.
The American Red Cross blood program started in 1940, under the leadership of Dr. Charles Drew. According to donor April Petrovsky, “Giving blood is a simple way to give life to others. It is a blessing to know that people’s lives have been saved from my small donation. Thankfully, I have never needed a blood transfusion, but if I did, I would appreciate the donation from other people.”
Not only is giving blood good for the accepter, but it is beneficial in reducing the risk of heart and liver ailments caused by iron overload in the body. Brandi Salsbury had the following to say, “Giving blood to me is a blessing, you never know who will need it. Giving blood gives you the ability to help someone out in many ways, potentially saving their lives.”
Often giving blood is something a person will always shut down automatically. When Brian Duncan was interviewed he had the following to say, “I have a terrible fear of needles, but I feel if people are suffering and in need of blood then I can handle a needle going into my arm for five minutes.” Your five minutes of slight discomfort could result into another person living years upon years extra.
Be sure to attend the next blood drive on June 20, 2016 from noon to 6 p.m. at the Elizabeth Baptist Church. You can sign up via website, or get help from the National Honor Society Members. Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs YOUR blood!
-Carrie Cunningham
The Echo 