On Friday, Jan. 17, Cardozo’s Leadership class held a blood drive in collaboration with the New York Blood Center. Students over the age of 16 were able to donate blood, this selfless act helping save lives.
These blood drives have occurred for about 20 years, with three blood drives annually taking place at Cardozo. David Blatt, who handles donor recruitment for the New York Blood Center, stated, “Most high schools only run two blood drives, Cardozo does two in the spring semester and one in the fall.”
These blood drives are lifesaving. Latt explained, “there is no other source of blood except from people who are thoughtful, kind, and considerate enough to help those in need.” Just one person’s donation will save the lives of three others.
In the general, throughout the New York metro area — including New Jersey, Long Island, and Westchester — about 60% of the population is eligible to donate blood. However, only 2% do it. Through these donations, people are able to have life saving procedures.
“People need to step up, be willing to help others in need and Cardozo students do so, as well as the faculty and the staff,” Blatt said. The goal for Friday’s blood drive was 200 pints of blood, with the previous Cardozo blood drive generating 180 pints.
Blatt explained, “All donors should allocate one hour for blood donation because it is a multiple step process.” Upon arriving at the gym, students needed to check in through a health history questionnaire, followed by a short physical test. If they were deemed eligible to donate, then they were brought to the next stage.
When talking to student Haley Fraser, it was revealed that it was her sixth time donating blood. Fraser’s aunt and grand-uncle have both had blood transfusions. She explained how she, “Can personally see the contribution it has on society, especially when a lot more people than we realize need blood transfusions.”
For other donors, such as student Amir Akim, it was their first time donating blood.
There are two types of donations someone can make. There is a whole blood donation and a double red cell donation. A whole blood donation means that all four components of blood (red cells, plasma, platelets, and white cells) are taken. In double red cell donation the same four components are drawn, but only the red cells are kept while the rest is returned to the donor.
Once the blood drive ended, the blood was sent to a lab to ensure it is safe to transfuse. This is to prevent the spread of any illnesses or diseases that may be in blood. After it is deemed safe for transfusion, the blood is sent to another lab. There it is processed into the separate components (red cells, plasma, platelets, and white cells).
If you are interested in donating at Cardozo’s next blood drive, there are certain criteria you need to meet. Donors need to be at least 16 (with parental consent) in New York state in order to donate. Those who are 17 or older do not need parental consent.
