Arcadia High School’s Seniors of Merit at Work (SMW) is getting ready for the annual UCLA Blood Drive, happening on Jan. 20, 2026, in the North Gym. With more than 30,000 units of blood needed every day in the US, SMW is encouraging students and staff aged 16 and up to donate.
Since all student donors need parent permission, SMW encourages students and families to check out the UCLA Blood and Platelet Center website for details on the process, safety, and why donations are so important. Additionally, because of new technological advancements, this year, the finger-prick test is no longer required, making the process even more comfortable for students. Blood transplant patients may need as many as 50 units, so every person who signs up truly makes a difference.
“Your donation can save up to three lives,” said SMW member senior Han Phan.
Sign-ups are open through Jan. 16 with multiple options: with any SMW member, in D-102 during lunch or passing period, or in the ASB Office during their office hours. After signing up, students get a packet with the info they need. Forms must be filled out in blue or black ink only, no white-out or pencil. Students also need to make an appointment through the QR code printed on the flyers and packets. After scanning the QR code, a student is not officially signed up until they turn in their completed form directly to the ASB office and receive a confirmation receipt.
Donors must weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health on the day of the drive. Recent tattoos are allowed as long as they were done in California. For piercings, students may still donate if their ear, navel, or eyebrow piercing was done in a licensed shop with sterile needles, but anyone who has had a lip, mouth, nose, or genital piercing within the last three months cannot donate.
To help avoid being deferred on the day of the appointment, students should prepare ahead of time by eating iron-rich foods, drinking 60 to 70 ounces of water for a few days before donating, and getting a solid 7 to 8 hours of sleep the night before. On the morning of the drive, it’s important to avoid caffeine and to wear a removable layer so overheating or tight sleeves don’t interfere with the process.
Overall, the UCLA Blood Drive is a way for students to make a positive impact in their local community. Whether it’s your first time donating or you’ve done it before, SMW encourages everyone eligible to sign up!
Jan. 22 Update:
SMW signed up almost 200 people and collected 73 units of life-saving blood, the most since 2022.
