The Red Cross Club collected 55 units of blood during its annual student spring blood drive on March 4. Students donated an additional 18 units of red blood cells, a process known as the Power Red, where the plasma and platelets are returned to the body. Each unit can save up to three lives.
The community blood drive followed from 3-7 p.m., yielding an additional 33 units of blood from teachers, staff, coaches, and community members.
During the summer of 2025, an additional community drive was held that yielded 44 units of blood.
Student volunteers were on hand to provide donors with blankets, sugary snacks, water, and emotional support while they waited in recovery. Donors received a $15 gift card and a free T-shirt from the American Red Cross.
One of the phlebotomists working with the American Red Cross shared her journey. Having had no prior medical experience with sticking, a reference to drawing blood, she was trained by the Red Cross and now travels to different schools in the area to work the drives.
“Methacton is one of the best schools when it comes to donating blood. Every year, we look forward to working with you guys,” she said.
Students who signed up but were turned away may have been deferred for a number of reasons, including small veins, anemia, low iron levels, or ineligible body weight-to-height ratios.
Students interested in volunteering at blood drives can email Nurse Thompson at [email protected]. The spring blood drive is scheduled for Feb. 26.
