story by Alexandra Frisch, photos by Katherine Mediavilla

STA’s annual blood drive took place Feb. 13. With 106 students signing up to give blood, 45 people were able to donate a unit of blood. Each unit is about 500 mL.

However, many students had to be turned away due to health problems, recent travel or scheduling problems, according to Meredith Snyder, Campus Minister and coordinator of the blood drive.

“I thought our recruiter said we could go until 2:00 p.m., but the people running the drive said they would need at least an hour and a half to break down all the equipment,” Snyder said. “They had to be out in time to clean the gym for the basketball game, so we had to stop after sixth period.”

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According to Snyder, the blood drive went smoothly this year, especially with the help of volunteers.

“There were 60 people who volunteered, which was great,” Snyder said. “An event like this needs volunteers as much as it needs donors.”

Snyder also said that the STA staff was a big help with the drive.

“We had one faculty member per period [at the drive, acting as] extra staff support if a girl wasn’t feeling well,” Snyder said. “[The most important factor] was everyone’s flexibility with the schedule. A lot of girls were late for their next classes, but I didn’t have any complaints from any teachers, which was really great.”

Because car crash victims often need as much as 15 – 20 units of blood, there is a great need for blood drives in the community, according to Snyder.

“[Blood] is something that money can’t buy,” Snyder said. “We need donors. In addition, I think it’s a great way for students to give back to the community in a way that’s not monetary.”