Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School hosted its own blood drive on Nov. 8 and it had a great turnout. 

“We have three blood drives every year. Our goal was to have 52 donors and we exceeded that with 59 donors, who came through our door.  Of those 59, we were able to collect 47 productive units for area patients in need,” said Michelle Milanich, an English teacher at BBHHS and organizer for the blood drive.

Without the kindness of donors, people who are in need of blood will face a fatal outcome, McIntyre said.  

Isabella Caputo, a senior at BBHHS said, “I want to donate blood because we’re going through a dire need of it, all you have to do is sit there for 15 minutes,”.

Not only is it important for everyone to donate blood, but a large amount of blood donated comes from high schools and colleges according to Christina F. Peters, the Regional Communications Manager of Northeast Ohio’s Red Cross Association.

The need for blood is constant and the only way to ensure that there is a strong local blood supply is through donors according to Peters. The Red Cross was founded in 1818 and has strived, since then, to help others in need.

McIntyre said The Red Cross mission statement is to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing volunteers’ power and donors’ generosity. 

Labiba Ibnath, a Junior at BBHHS states, “I feel like there’s a lot of people out there who get into difficult situations and need blood and if they don’t have it, that’s a devastating situation. If you can save a life, why not go for it,”.

“Since each pint of blood has the potential to help up to three patients, our blood drive potentially impacted over 141 lives,” Said Milanich.

It is essential that people know the benefits of donating blood. It is also crucial that people who can contribute, take action in donating to help people in need. BBHHS’ next blood drive is on Friday, January 13, 2023, and as Peters said, “Go eat a burger before you go to donate.”