While blood is something that everyone has, many people need it. It’s a vital need for the human body and can be donated by almost anyone over 16. The annual FHS blood drive happened on Sept. 10 and is making an impact statewide, according to Tammy Snyder, a FHS teacher who ran the blood drive. 

“The blood products that are gained from FHS drives help supply hospitals all around central Indiana,” Snyder said. “Once a student realizes that they could lives each time they donate, they seem to be more willing to subject themselves to a little bit of discomfort for the sake of another human being.” 

According to Snyder, every eligible student at FHS can potentially save up to 3 lives. FHS was one of the largest high school blood drives in the state before COVID. Snyder hopes to get the school back to that position again. 

“I began donating blood because Blood Drive hosted in honor of one of my former scout leaders who passed away from cancer a few years back,” senior Benton Cozzi said. “I think it brings this opportunity for service to so many new people, especially in our school. I think it’s really helpful and can bring a lot to the community. It’s that sort of common cause that brings everyone together.”  

Blood drives are a way to raise awareness for a common issue that is not discussed in schools often. The FHS blood drive is a “competition” against HSE to see which school can raise the most blood. The competitive blood drive at FHS is set up by Snyder but not without difficulties. 

“The logistics and recruiting are the most difficult part of organizing a blood drive,” Snyder said. “Without student recruiters, we cannot fill the donation appointments. Even though the information is out in all the places that students will see it, we only get good results when we have face to face conversations. I realized that even if I couldn’t donate, I could at least recruit others who could. When my mom was battling cancer, she needed many blood products and it was even more important to me at that time to try to donate or to rally others around me to donate.” 

Donating blood is a great way to help save many lives within FHS community and other communities around Indiana. Whether you do it for the free t-shirt or for our community, donating is a fantastic method to help others. You can register to donate blood and find information about donating here. 

Featured photo courtesy of Creative Commons.