National Honor Society hosted their first blood drive of the season in cooperation with Nebraska Community Blood Bank on Tuesday, Oct. 24.
RJ Suey ’19 nervously anticipates the needle stick. This was his first time donating blood. “I was the first one to give that day. I don’t usually get too freaked out about needles, I was more nervous about being dizzy or passing out,” Suey said. Photo by: E. Burkley
For many students, this was their first time donating. Britney Scheetz ‘18 wasn’t able to donate in the past because she was involved in a fall sport that continued into second quarter.
“I was a little nervous going in but after I met the nurse and everything it was just fine until the very end of the blood when I started feeling the symptoms,” Scheetz said.
While the anticipation and symptoms of donating can be daunting, donating blood is beneficial for both the recipient and donor. Donors get the satisfaction of knowing they potentially saved a life and recipients receive blood that could save their lives.
“I think it’s cool when people donate blood because not everyone can do it and not everyone chooses to do it. It’s a good cause. And it’s cool to say you could do it,” Rielee Achtemeier ‘19 said.
After the needle is out, Dakota Gladson ’19–in good spirits–tries to get his blood flowing again. Photo by: D. Warnke
Scheetz’s reason for donating blood goes beyond just wanting to save a life–she does it in remembrance of her sister, who was diagnosed with oxalosis and lymphoma and passed away at a young age.
“My sister had a lot of blood transfusions so I want to do it in honor of her, so I can help somebody else like they helped her,” Scheetz said.
Overall, this year’s blood drive was a success for both NHS and the Blood Bank. NHS sponsor Julie Petersen said that there were 40 total donors this year–12 adults and 28 students. Also new, 16 year-olds could donate with a signed parent permission form helping the turnout. Petersen added there were 12, 16 year-olds, which was almost half of the student donors.
Band teacher Maureen Beck patiently prepares to squeeze as the NCBB nurses find a vein. Photo by: D. Warnke
“One donation has the potential to save three lives! Our donations stay in southeast Nebraska. This is the first year that 16 year old students were allowed to donate as long as they had parent consent form signed. Previously we could only do 17+ year olds,” Petersen said.
NHS will also host a blood drive with Nebraska Community Blood Bank in the spring that is currently scheduled for March 20.
FHS X-Ray 
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