Our students do amazing things!
The First Aid Club at Pine Bush High School hosted its second blood drive of the school year on Thursday in an effort to spread the word about the need for blood donations and to recruit new donors.
Pine Bush High School nurse MaryBeth Reinfried was so grateful to the students who helped her put this important event together, especially Madelyn Loennecker, the president of the First Aid Club.
“Madelyn and the rest of our First Aid Club members have done just about everything for this drive – scheduled the appointments, made adjustments when needed, did the advertising. It wouldn’t have happened without them.”
Madelyn said their goal was to get 30-40 pints of blood from this drive. They had 50 appointments scheduled but she was out talking up her fellow students, spreading the word about the benefit of donating blood.
“We’re trying to get as many people as possible,” said Madelyn, whom Ms. Reinfried credits for making the first drive of the school year in the fall a success. “It’s a great cause. I let people know it doesn’t take long, doesn’t hurt and you get free snacks!”
Kylee, a 10th-grade student was donating for the very first time. She said she was feeling scared but motivated. Her reason for donating: her grandma died from cancer in 2013 because she couldn’t get blood transfusions.
“I’m scared but the people who need blood are probably even more scared,” Kylee said. “That’s why I’m donating.”
Senior Camryn Szabo is donating for the second time. She likes donating, especially because it helps people.
Like Kylee, Tyler Ramsey is a first time donor. “There aren’t enough blood donations as are needed,” he said. “I want to help people. Plus there are snacks and gift cards,” he added with a chuckle.
In addition to the First Aid Club volunteers, other PBHS students volunteered to help out during their free periods. It truly was a community event! A big thank you to all students and staff who donated the gift of life.
Giving blood is safe. The whole process takes about an hour, from the start of paperwork to finishing your snack. Donors must be at least 16-years-old with a signed parental consent form, must weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. You may donate every eight weeks. And don’t worry – your blood replenishes within 24 hours! Just be sure to drink lots of water. The benefit is immense – one pint of blood can save up to three lives.