About the Contributor
Blake Berry, Fluco Beat Editor
Blake is a Senior and this is his second year in Journalism. He is the editor of The Fluco Beat. He likes to play video games and likes memes.
Spring into 2018’s Blood Drive
April 16, 2018
Donating blood might seem like a daunting task, but it can be a lifesaving gift for those in need. According to the Red Cross, every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. In fact, nearly 7,000 units of platelets and 10,000 units of plasma are needed each day in the U.S.
Junior Jake Lindo has had the opportunity to donate blood three times, and intends to donate more in the future. “At first it was scary, but after a couple times it was fine. It still hurts but its not nearly as scary when you get used to it”
When asked why he wanted to donate, Lindo said “Originally, I wanted to learn my blood type, but the last couple times I gave blood because I knew it would help someone and wouldn’t hurt me.”
Donating blood doesn’t just benefit others; it can prove to be helpful to the donor as well.
According to the Virginia Blood Services, donating brings free opportunities to learn things like your blood type or find any possibly hidden diseases, as well as provides weight loss (okay, it’s temporary and minimal) and stimulates the donor’s blood cell production.
After giving blood, donors have a 10-15 minute wait period before they can head back to their activities. They are given snacks and drinks to get their vitals back in check.
Depending on the amount of donors, the Virginia Blood Services (VBS) will give a certain amount of money in the form of a scholarship to one senior who donates blood. All donors also receive an exclusive 2018 Spring Blood Drive tote bag, and senior donors have the opportunity to win a scholarship.
Administrator Wanda Elliott commented about the blood drives for the 2018 school year. “This year we’ve had four drives with 60 students participating. The faculty gives also, which helps our numbers for the scholarship.”
To sign up for this year’s Spring Blood Drive, visit Mrs. Elliott in room 3403 or go to the Front Office.
FCHS’ last blood drive of the 2018 school year will be April 24 from 9:00 am-2:30 pm.