Arcadia High School’s Seniors of Merit at Work (SMW) is hosting the 2023 UCLA Blood Drive on Tuesday, Jan. 17, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. in the North Gym. Participation is highly encouraged, as each person’s donation can save many lives. The blood donated from this drive may be of use to many people who need surgery, or to treat illnesses and injuries. All donations are made on a volunteer basis. 

For those interested in becoming a donor, sign-ups are now open with any member of SMW or in the ASB Office. Booths are also available at the Rally Court, Performing Arts Center courtyard, and the parking lot exits for eligible donors to receive the Blood Drive Consent Packet. All donors need a signed parental consent in order to donate. The completed consent packets must be handed in to the ASB Office by Monday, Jan. 9 to be able to be considered for donation. Following that, an appointment can be made by scanning the QR code on the official posters posted around the school. 

According to UCLA Blood and Platelet Center, donors must weigh at least 110 pounds to be eligible for donating blood. Donors must be well and healthy with no symptoms of cold or flu such as a fever, sore throat, cough, stomach problems, etc. in the past three days. Cold or flu medicines in the past 24 hours are also not acceptable. Donors must not have any open cuts or wounds. 

As far as medications go, a person is not allowed to be on medications such as accutane, or other antibiotics for treating bacteria or viruses. However, antibiotics for acne are acceptable. Blood pressure medication is permitted if the person’s blood pressure is within certain limits. Donors must be off medications containing aspirin for three days prior to donation. 

A person who just recently got a tattoo done in the last 12 months in the state of California is able to donate, as long as it is fully healed. Piercings are acceptable only in areas such as the ear, eyebrow, or navel in the last 12 months. Lip, nose, and mouth piercings in the last 12 months are not allowed. 

Some other common things to look out for in donors are fevers, chills, loss of smell or taste, body aches, fatigue, and sore throat in the last 48 hours. Do not give blood if there is a possibility of obtaining COVID-19 and is currently waiting for the results of the COVID test. 

“I would want to donate blood because it’s for a good cause as the blood will go to those who need it,” commented junior Aileen Santoso.

“This blood drive could save a life,” said SMW member senior Liv Hernandez. “We need all our Apaches to help. Fill out the forms and donate!”A more in-depth eligibility and donor self-screening information is available on the UCLA Health website for a closer look at requirements and restrictions. For the safety of all donors and staff, donors must wear face coverings to enter the North Gym on the day of donation. Always remember to eat healthy and increase fluid intake a few days before the day of donation!

Graphic courtesy of AHS SMW