On the 14th of March, 2018, Chapin High School hosted an American Red Cross blood drive. Many students have participated in this event, and Chapin High School hosts this program twice every school year.

A student must be at least 16 years of age in order to give blood, and his or her height and weight must be balanced accordingly.  

“I feel happy to contribute, but at the same time I am also nervous,” said Hayley Payton, a sophomore at Chapin High School and blood donor. This was her first time donating blood.

 Andrew Nirella was also a first time blood donor. The sophomore said he felt “very nervous, but at the same time I do value this experience.”

If a student doesn’t choose to give blood, he or she can still help out with the program if they are part of the Beta Club.

“These people (donors) are brave, and I would never do it in my life,” said  Olivia Calhoun, a 10th grade Beta Club member at Chapin High School.  “(But)  I also like volunteering and helping with the cause.”

“Even though I can’t give blood, I like that I can still contribute in some way,” said Maya Brown, also a 10th grade Beta Club member, who echoed Calhoun’s sentiment about volunteering.

Anyone  considering giving blood, should take into account the side effects that may occur before, while, and after the procedure:

• Faintness
• Numbness
• Loss of appetite
• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Headaches

Pamela Boyles is an American Red Cross member of 15 years has been part of the blood drive for 25 ½ years.  She finds a “pure passion for this experience because it’s all about saving lives.” She went say “I love building relationships with the people I work with as well as the donors.”