As an act of charity RHS students eligible to donate blood decided to participate in the SGA-sponsored blood drive May 1 to help those in need of certain health attention.

Students who are 17 years of age are eligible to donate blood. Those who are 16 years old may donate with parental permission. The majority of the students who participated in this contributory act of integrity find this activity to be very rewarding because they can both help out the community and the country in this time of need.

RHS junior Jenn Cordero, who helped out in the blood drive, found her work to be very encouraging because she knew that she was doing it for a good cause. “I wish I could give blood because there are so many people out there that need blood transfusions and it’s so hard to find matches and it makes you feel good inside,” said Cordero.

According to the American Red Cross, every two seconds an American needs a blood transfusion, whether they are cancer patients, accident victims, premature infants or people with chronic diseases. With this cause in mind, students have a greater reason to participate in this blood drive, only one of hundreds that take place each year across the nation.

Each donated unit of blood is separated into multiple components, such as red blood cells, plasma and platelets. “I’ve never given blood before and I wanted to do something good in the community. I am trying to help somebody,” said junior Matt Carroll.

The donation requires approximately 1 pint of blood, and since the human body has 10-12 pints, the majority of people don’t feel a difference after donating. Some may feel nauseous or light-headed after donating, but the Red Cross provides sugary supplements, including cookies and soda, to help boost energy. With rest and fluids, the minor side effects quickly disappear, and the body replaces the lost blood within 24 hours.