Blood Drive 25’

Clear your calendars and pull up your sleeves! The High School West New York Blood Center Blood Drive is happening this Friday, November 21th. This event, organized by Mrs. Madden’s Key club in correlation with the NY Blood Center, is aiming to help people around the state. 

The blood drive begins bright and early as appointments begin at 7:30 a.m. and closes at 1:30 p.m., and is taking place in the “new gym” which is the smaller one. Students can sign up through the QR codes scattered variously around the school upon flyers. Students may take out their phone to scan or take a picture BUT only for these important purposes. Seeing Mrs. Madden is also a possibility as she is located in Room 177 and can sign you up on a hardcopy sheet. The drive also accepts walk-ins only if students are taking it at a good time.

This is NOT an excuse for students to miss important work and is recommended to be done during free periods or electives. According to Mrs. Madden, if students are very busy: “…because they are doing an honorable and heroic thing…,” they may have to arrange things with their teachers to fit the drive in. The whole process from start to finish takes around 1 hour of your appreciated time.

Unfortunately, this event is predominantly for juniors and seniors. Students who are 17+ do not need a parent’s permission to donate but for 16 year olds they must get parental permission. The slip is located with Mrs. Madden in room 177. 

If you are interested in participating, it is very important to be hydrated before your appointment because you want to be in your best form possible. You should begin hydrating the day before and have a well rounded dinner. Have a solid breakfast and a solid lunch, it is very crucial. “It’s like an athlete, if you’re going to perform at a game, you want to be your best and optimal, and have nutrition. Your process and recovery is at its best.”

“This is to help anybody who is in a car accident, anybody who is in an emergency, or whenever they need blood for surgeries” said Mrs. Madden. The blood is part of the Long Island Blood Drive and an extremely crucial part remarked by Mrs. Madden is that “One pint of blood can help save three lives.” Students who are at the eligible age, High School West would be extremely honored to see you down there on Friday and help us out! Let’s go Colts!