On March 8, Mt. Hebron Student Government Association (SGA) held a blood drive in partnership with the Chesapeake and Ohio region of the American Red Cross. The Red Cross works to prevent human suffering through the support of volunteers and donors. They seek people who are able to provide blood to individuals in need.

Sophomore Faith Kip defined SGA’s role within the drive. She explained that the group manages the event on the school front and encourages students to participate as donors for those in need. Kip said the blood is given to local hospitals in the Baltimore region.

Fortunately, the drive was completely booked with donors, providing plentiful amounts of blood for patients desperately in need. This year, 57 people signed up, and 42 units of blood were donated.

Some individuals were not able to give blood because they did not meet all the credentials of a healthy donor. Donors were required to be 17 years old, weight appropriate, and in generally good health to donate blood.

SGA President Johnny Linsenmeyer said, “Our goal is to get as many people as we can from the school, over 17 years old, to donate their blood to the Red Cross. The Red Cross donates to people who are really in need.”

“It’s always rewarding to see how the school manages to come together to help those in need,” he added.

Linsenmeyer recalled his own personal experience as a donor, highlighting the importance of giving blood.

Senior Wanjiku David, who donated blood this year, explained her desire to seize this opportunity to donate blood at school.

“It felt great,” David said. “I would definitely do it again. Just the thought of potentially saving someone’s life is something to think about.”

SGA sponsor Ms. Angela Sugg described the long-standing SGA tradition of conducting the drive as an opportunity that promotes awareness among high school students.

“One in seven people will need blood sometime within their lifetime, and statistically, those who give blood as high school students are more likely to give blood as adults,” Ms. Sugg said.

Hosting the drive at Mt. Hebron has given students an amazing opportunity to make a difference. Through each donation, someone’s life will be impacted. Linsenmeyer mentioned that blood can be taken for granted, but it is critical to help people who are less fortunate.

For more information about donating or other activities sponsored by the American Red Cross, please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit their website, redcrossblood.org.