Get ready to roll up your sleeves because the Seniors of Merit at Work (SMW) Annual Blood Drive is coming up! The event, in affiliation with the UCLA Blood and Platelet Center, will take place in the North Gym on Jan. 18, 2022. All students who are 16 and older—and weigh at least 110 lbs.—are encouraged to consider signing up. 

Firstly, what is a blood drive and what are the benefits of donating? Blood drives are events where people voluntarily get their blood drawn, which is then used for various health treatments.

Blood consists of red blood cells, oxygen-carrying units; white blood cells, which carry out an immune response; platelets, facilitators of blood clotting; and plasma, the clear liquid that contains the aforementioned. 

The recipients of the donations include those going through surgery, cancer treatments, or have an otherwise debilitating disease are the usual recipients of the donated blood. Undergoing trauma or surgery can result in extreme blood loss, and transfusions are a literal lifesaver for these patients. 

“More than 38,000 blood donations are needed each day,” said senior Sharon Shen. 

Recently, a new use for donated blood has gained traction: convalescent plasma transfusions for COVID-19. The donated blood of people who have had COVID-19 gets filtered until only the plasma is left. The antibodies left in the plasma boost their immune response against the virus when administered into sick patients. 

“One donation can save up to three lives,” stated senior Bryce Wong. “Plus you get a promotional gift.”

While the thought of needles may be frightening, Shen assures you it’s not at all that bad.

“The best advice I have is to take deep breaths and look away,” she said. “It’ll be over in an instant.”

Most blood drives only draw up to one pint, a small fraction of what you need. The process is quick and requires little effort on behalf of the donor. If you are interested in helping out others with the gift of life, sign ups are open now till Jan. 10, 2022. If you are interested, you can approach any SMW member and inquire about the Blood Drive. SMW will have a registration booth by the Student Parking Lot and one by the Rally Courts. You can also sign up at the Career Center. 

On the day of, don’t forget to “get good rest the night before, stay hydrated, and eat a full breakfast!” said Shen. And “definitely avoid drinking caffeinated drinks.”

Graphic courtesy of AUSD