Blood drive a success

Green River collects more than Rock Springs for 3rd year in a row

With only three pints, Green River once again beat Rock Springs in a friendly rivalry to raise blood for the Premier Bone and Joint Center's Blood Drive Challenge.

The total amount raised between both communities was 567 pints, Green River collected 285 pints and Rock Springs collected 282.

"I honestly believe that we are so lucky to be surrounded by the support of our communities; they both are always willing to give their time to help us out," Amanda Santhuff, GRHS teacher and Student Council Sponsor, said. "I was not surprised as far as the grand total, we knew we were breaking records this year. However, we were surprised to win for a third year in a row."

For years, Santhuff has helped the GRHS Student Council run the blood drive.

"I really believe that my council has it figured out, they work so hard and know what needs to be done," she said. "You can only take so many donations, it all depends on how smooth you can run a drive, and I believe we have figured that out."

Santhuff said to her the donation process starts long before United Blood Services arrives.

"The process of donating begins with realizing that there is nothing to be afraid of," she said.

To Santhuff that is the first step. Once a person realizes this, they can signup for an appointment and take a health history questionnaire. On the actual donation day, the whole process only takes about an hour; and about 10 to 15 minutes of that is the actual donating of blood.

"We really look forward to this time of the year. The blood drive not only is a fun competition, but the awareness that it brings to teens what is important," she said. "Not only do we teach kids to be lifelong donors to save lives, but they also learn that people around them in their daily lives have needed blood for some reason and that makes turns it into a personal donation."

Of course, there are certain requirements for donating blood, some of the big ones GRHS students needed to be aware of prior to donating was they needed to be at least 16 years of age and if they were under 18 they needed a parent's permission form filled out. They were required to weigh at least 110 pounds. During the actual blood drive, some of the students forgot these things and were unable to donate.

As for the community portion of the blood drive, the GRHS Student Council made sure to provide a babysitting center at the Green River Recreation Center, which is where the community blood drive took place.

In the past, the group had received comments from people stating that they just did not have anyone to watch their kids and that is why they did not donate. The council listen and responded to that request this year. Santhuff said some parents did take advantage of the child care.

"I just want to add that the kids work really hard on these events and we really appreciate the community involvement, and the school districts involvement," Santhuff said. "We are so lucky to have this support. When people like the mayor and his family, our assistant superintendent for Sweetwater County School District No. 2, the administrators from the high school and other schools as well as faulty and maintenance crews from the district come in to support us, the kids really feel the support."

Santhuff is hoping the support was enough for the school to bring home the state trophy again this year.

 

Reader Comments(0)

 
 
Rendered 03/12/2024 15:45