This past weekend, on Saturday January 13th, the senior class held its second blood drive of the year with Bloodworks Northwest in the Blanchet cafeteria from 9:00 AM-4:00 PM.

Every class has a service project that they do to provide for the community and for the senior class service project, it is to host three blood drives throughout the year with Bloodworks Northwest.

As stated on their website, Bloodworks Northwest is a non-profit organization that uses donor gifts to provide a safe and lifesaving blood supply to 90 hospitals in the Northwest. Physicians that work at Bloodworks Northwest are specialists in transfusion medicine and provide care for patients that have blood disorders and other health issues. Their scientific research has made breakthroughs to help people live longer and healthier lives and they claim to be the cornerstone for healthcare in the northwest area.

Marianna Mele who is a senior this year and apart of class cabinet has been in charge to help put together the blood drives.

“Bloodworks Northwest is an amazing organization and I have gotten to learn so much about them,” said Marianna Mele, “I think it is really cool that the senior class has the opportunity to be involved in something that benefits people’s live in such a unique way.”

After the blood drive, Bloodworks Northwest stated in an email that there were 26 total registered donors that came on Saturday and 20 units of blood was collected in total. Because the donations are separated into red blood cells, plasma, and platelets, the donations will save up to 60 patients lives.

“It is amazing to me that people care so much about others and give the time to donate blood,” said Mele.

After people donate blood, Bloodworks Northwest takes the blood to their labs for testing and processing. Whole blood is separated into three components-red blood cells, platelets, and plasma. They are then tested and ready for use by patients and are available in local hospitals within 24 hours after donating.

It is important that people are educated about how important it is to donate blood. According to Bloodworks Northwest, one donation of whole blood could potentially save three lives. The demand for blood is needed everyday by people and it is important that hospitals have a stocked blood supplies for their patients who need it.

“I really appreciate everyone that came out on Saturday to donate,” said Mele.

The next blood drive will take place on Saturday, April 28th from 9:00 AM-4:00 PM.