Methacton High School’s Red Cross Club hosted its fall blood drive partnered with the American Red Cross on Oct. 9. A total of 73 units were collected. Initially, around 110 students were signed up to donate blood, but nine students were deferred due to low iron levels, recent travels, and/or illnesses.
Students were responsible for eight donations of red blood cells as well, one of the highest numbers in Methacton history. This specific type of donation, known as the Power Red, was only open to males during the school drive. Females must be at least 19 years old to sign up for the Power Red since younger females are more susceptible to iron deficiency anemia due to menstruation.
Students were allowed to miss a few classes if they were donating blood. They were provided with snacks, blankets, squishies, and emotional support by fellow Red Cross student volunteers.
The Community Blood Drive held after school yielded 32 donations of blood and four Power Red donations.
A few weeks after donating, donors will be notified about which hospital received their blood.
MHS students interested in volunteering at the spring blood drive on Tuesday, March 4th, can email Nurse Thompson at [email protected]. Volunteers will receive community service hours.
