Students generously give blood at Cranberry High School. (By Cara Andres/Student contributor)
Blood drive takes place at Cranberry High School. (By Cara Andres/Student contributor)
By BROOKE WHITLING
Student contributor
On Friday, Dec. 13, Cranberry High School hosted a blood drive for those 16 years old and older.
The event was hosted by the National Honors Society (NHS), which is advised by Wendy McKain, a Cranberry teacher.
McKain is very passionate about blood donation and does everything she can to encourage students to participate in the blood drive events.
“It is a good habit to help others when you can; you never know when you will be the one who needs the blood,” states McKain.
Students and staff participating in the event received a water bottle and granola bar Thursday, reminding them to stay hydrated and well-nourished. On Friday morning, donors were served a sausage and pancake breakfast. After donating, participants were given a pair of socks.
Through the course of the drive, Cranberry collected twenty-three units of donated blood and plasma.
These units could be used to save sixty-nine individuals.
Because the units are donated to the Community Blood Bank, a supplier of UPMC Northwest, the individuals saved will be local.
McKain urges those who can donate to do so.
“I would encourage everyone who is eligible to donate. You never know whose life you are going to save. It could be a loved one, it could be a friend, it could even be your own life that you are saving,” she said.
Brooke Whitling and Cara Andres are students at Cranberry High School and members of Cranberry Chronicles, the school’s journalism/publications class.
