Every year Camas High School (CHS) hosts several blood drives. These drives occur during the school day and extend just past the end-of-day bell. The most recent blood drive occurred on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. Each year, students and other community members are invited to donate blood.
This is generally a collaboration between the Red Cross Club (RCC), the National Honor Society and various clinics in the area. Community members and students ages 16 and older with a permission slip are invited to partake in donating blood, or even providing emotional support.
“There are limitations about donating blood, including being 17 years old or 16 with a consent form, weighing at least 110 pounds, being in good health, feeling well, not taking any antibiotics and having last donated blood more than 8 weeks ago,” Advisor of RCC Lori Lackland said.
Blood drives are a great way to support the community, as they require little sacrifice from your body. Donating blood starting as a teen is a beneficial way to build a habit of donating blood every year, which is especially helpful because hospitals are always in demand for blood, so all donations are always appreciated.
“I have participated in numerous blood drives since my freshman year at CHS. Since I have not been eligible to donate my own blood, I currently serve as emotional support for other donors during the blood drives. I do plan to participate in all future blood drives at CHS and am thoroughly looking forward to donating blood,” junior officer of the RCC Aryaa Vinod said.
Serving as emotional support for other donors can consist of listening to stories they may tell, or having conversations with them and sometimes getting them water or something to eat afterward. They are a great way for students and other members of the community who want to help but cannot donate blood.
“I have never participated in a blood drive. However, I do know that CHS has at least one blood drive a year. I think it is a good opportunity for students who feel comfortable to donate blood and help our community and hospitals,” senior Trinity Hale said.
Whether you are donating blood or serving as emotional support for other donors, all volunteers are greatly appreciated. The next blood drive at CHS will be in May. However, there are lots of other places in and around our community where you can donate blood. Blood drives are always important as donated blood could save a life.