Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. This amounts to 29,000 units of blood every day, far exceeding the limited supply currently available to healthcare providers. The U.S. is experiencing what the Red Cross refers to as “the worst blood shortage in over a decade.” The shortage is mainly due to COVID-19. Recent cold weather and staffing issues have also played a part in the shortage. 

Doctors around the country are being forced to decide which of their patients receive blood and delay life-saving surgeries due to the shortage. State High students can do their part to help by donating to Key Club’s annual blood drive, set to take place on Thursday, Mar. 31.

In the coming weeks, Key Club will begin to advertise the blood drive through an all-school email and information presented during WSCH. Students aged 16 and over are able to donate blood, with 16 year-olds needing to provide a parental consent form in order to donate.

Donating is an easy process that is encouraged now more than ever.

“If you’ve ever wanted to help people before, this is literally the easiest way to save a life,” Key Club advisor and State High art teacher Ashley Corvin said, reinforcing the simplicity of donating. “There’s no way to manufacture blood, but right now all of that depends on donors, and a huge amount of donations come from students.”

Senior Aarshia Mehta, Key Club President, emphasized the importance of student donations.

“Since we live in a college town, about 30-40% of our local Red Cross’ blood supply is collected from our demographic,” Mehta said. “If you are able to donate, please do.”

Encouraging students to donate, Corvin added, “You are making yourself a hero, which is rewarding in itself.” One donation can save up to three lives, and if you download the Red Cross app, you can see where the blood you donated went.

For those concerned about their eligibility, contacting the Red Cross directly through their website or app is your best bet. To any students who are anxious about the possibility of donating, Mehta emphasizes that Key Club is doing everything to ensure the safety of students.

“Our students’ health is especially important to us during this time, which is why we will be taking every precaution when it comes to safety before, during, and after the donation process,” Mehta said.

Key Club’s blood drive may occur every school year, but now more than ever the need for donations is crucial in order to help hospitals throughout the U.S. Donating is fast, easy, and can save lives. If you’re looking for a way to give back, sign up to donate and prepare to roll up your sleeve.