On Thursday Mar. 9, West Ranch will be hosting its second UCLA Health Blood Drive of the school year. Students who are eligible can donate blood between 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. in the small gym.

   Students interested in donating blood must meet an age requirement of 16 and older, as well as get a signed Parent Consent Form regardless of age. 

   When asked about additional requirements to donate blood, junior Aniyah Graham, ASB’s Head of Honor and Service, explained, “If you are in a spring sport, we recommend that you don’t donate blood because you have practice consistently and that is not the best for your health. We recommend students take iron pills if they are anemic or that they are eating a good breakfast before they donate.”

   For first time donors, participating in a blood drive may sound intimidating. However, as Graham explained, “The UCLA Health representatives are very good at making it a very non-stressful event; they are very calming. It’s a very relaxing procedure and it’s not something to be stressed about.”

  Donors will be called out of class with a pass unless they have an open period or their appointment is before school. They will enter the small gym, and ASB will check their mandatory Parent Consent Form. After that, they will fill out a UCLA Health questionnaire and go through a pre check-up to make sure they are eligible to donate blood. Students then make their way to a chair to donate blood. Finally, when students have completed the donation process, they will receive some goodies from both ASB and UCLA Health.

   Overall, donating blood is a rewarding experience that can help someone in need. “I know that after COVID, there was a shortage of blood and I think that we are still in that situation as a society,” Graham shared. “ It’s a selfless act in which you donate something that you don’t need that others do need.”

   With the help of experienced UCLA Health representatives and West Ranch ASB, the donation process is sure to be quick and easy. Cats, if you are eligible, check the West Ranch Daily Bulletin or the ASB Website for more information and sign up to donate blood on Mar. 9!