On Wednesday, March 6, 2024, the National Honor Society held its annual Blood Drive through Impact Life. Over thirty students and staff at Galena High School donated their blood to help others who may need blood transfusions. This year’s drive took place in the GHS gym from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Many students and staff are passionate about giving blood during this event and have donated each year. “My blood type is B – and only about 3% of the population have that type,” said Mrs. Bookless. “So it’s vital for me to give when I can.”

For some GHS students, this was their first blood donation. “I was very nervous to give blood,” said first-time donor, Julia Holland ‘24.”But I know it’s for a great cause, so I knew this was something I needed to do.”

Facts About Blood Needs (redcrossblood.org)

• Every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood and or platelets. 
• Approximately 29,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day in the U. S. 
• Nearly 5,000 units of platelets and 6.500 units of plasma are needed daily in the U.S. 
• Nearly 16 million blood components are transfused each year in the U.S.
• Sickle cell disease affects 90,000 to 100,000 people in the U.S. About 1,000 babies are born with the disease each year. Sickle cell patients can require blood transfusions throughout their lives.
• The average red blood cell transfusion is approximately 3 units.
• A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 units of blood.
• Blood and platelets cannot be manufactured; they can only come from volunteer donors.
• The blood type most often requested by hospitals is type O.
• One donation can help save more than one life.
• According to the American Cancer Society, more than 1.9 million people are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2023. Many of them will need blood, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatment.