Democracy Prep at the Agassi Campus hosted its second annual blood drive on January 11th, 2018. DPAC doubled the number of units of blood collected over the previous year. An elementary, middle, and high school scholar from DPAC each wrote about their experience at the blood drive and shared why the drive is so important for their community. Read their reflections below.

Parrisse Prince
4th Grade, DPACES
Giving blood is very helpful. The blood drive helps our community because people who run out of blood need it. People need blood for emergencies. During the blood drive I learned that you have to drink a lot of water and eat well. My favorite part of the blood drive was how they stored and packaged the blood. I think it was not hard to donate blood because all you have to do is answer a few questions and give blood and that’s it. I did not give blood but I feel like other people are happy because of what of the people that did give blood did to save their lives.

Annie Aguilar-Falcon
7th Grade, DPACMS
Giving blood is an important contribution to those with cancer, bleeding disorders, chronic anemia and other hereditary blood abnormalities. Every day, about 38,000 Americans need a blood transfusion, and a single donation of blood can help save the lives of up to three people.

Not only does giving blood help treat patients with medical issues, but it can also benefit the donor. Donating blood helps maintain the donor’s iron levels at a healthy constant which can reduce the risk of cancer. Blood drives also provide a free check up before you give blood, to make sure you’re healthy. Although it should not be thought of a weight loss plan, studies show that when giving blood the donor burns about 650 calories for every pint.

Overall, the act of giving blood can improve the lives of both the donor and the recipients. Helping hospitals maintain an adequate supply of blood required to help patients is a simple way to help your community.

Malik Harper
12th Grade, DPACHS
The blood drive was a very important event at this school because it helped give us a sense of accomplishment. We donated blood so we can help people who need blood and save someone’s life. I learned that when you donate blood, it is important that you are hydrated and have good health. My favorite part of the blood drive was the support from my friends who were watching us while we donated. My friends were happy to see that I was donating and doing something good for the community. The hardest part of the blood drive was making sure my blood was healthy and my iron was sufficient to donate. I helped make an impact by helping reassure blood donors and explain what donating blood was going to be like. I wanted to help ease their nervousness. Lastly, I want to thank the women who helped me donate even though my blood was flowing slowly.