Recently, there has been a decline in blood donors, causing a slowdown in lifesaving transfusions. This drop is linked to various factors, such as seasonal variations, changing donor requirements, etc. This summer, the American Red Cross even declared a national blood shortage after the organization’s blood supply dropped by 25%, impacting hospitals and patients nationwide.

In response to this critical need, the EHS United Nations Children’s Fund Club (UNICEF) partnered with Vitalant, a large nonprofit blood healthcare organization, to host a school-wide Blood Drive on April 29 that brought more than fifty student and faculty volunteers together in a collective effort to give back to the community. The event collected seventeen pints of blood, each potentially saving up to four lives.

While the board didn’t set a specific collection goal, the focus was clear: collect as much blood as the volunteers could donate and raise awareness about the importance of donation, as some individuals struggle to find a suitable match due to their blood type.

“This drive was an incredible way for our high school to make a difference in the bigger community,” said UNICEF President Simran Singh ‘25.

The club created a donation sign-up sheet to help students earn volunteer hours, incentivizing underclassmen and juniors looking to apply to colleges next year.

Despite some participants being unable to donate for health-related reasons, such as low iron levels or problems with their heartbeat rhythm, the turnout exceeded expectations. Vice President Umaizah Khan ‘25 mentioned that student participation was higher and more organized than in previous years.

“It was encouraging to see students patiently waiting for their turns, and most did not experience any negative effects from donating,” said Khan.

The blood donation process is short, but its impact is immense as it helps those who urgently require it. Vitalant demonstrated its commitment to donor well-being by generously providing snacks and drinks to help replenish nutrients.

Krishiva Matta ‘25, a donor, emphasized his experiences with the drive and why he got involved.

“The blood drive went well for the most part, as they made sure I was okay before and after the process,” Matta said. “I participated in the drive because I have a passion to genuinely help individuals, especially as there is a lack of adequate blood supply in the world.”

Finally, UNICEF would like to give a shout-out to the Spanish National Honor Society for their encouragement for students to participate in the drive. They are also extremely grateful for everyone who came to donate their blood, and for the opportunity to host the blood drive at EHS once again.

If you or someone you know is over the age of seventeen and weighs at least 110 pounds, schedule an appointment and find locations for blood donation near you through Vitalant or the American Red Cross.