Lowry gives life

Lowry gives life

By Alexis Galarza Posted December 16, 2022

December 8 was Lowry’s first time running a blood drive since earlier this year. The blood drive was run by Vitalant workers and National Honor Society. 

Nicole Blankenship, a Vitalant worker, was happy to see such a great turnout this time around because the United States is in a blood shortage. 

“We have a blood shortage across the United States and are in critical need, especially in our area,” said Blankenship. “Donating 1 pint of blood can save one to three lives depending on the type of blood they need.” 

Kadence Schmittel, a first-time donor was happy to help in any way she could. 

“I chose to donate because I wanted to be able to be a part of the process of helping someone,” said Schmittel. “The process of donating was a smooth and easy process.” 

Once you arrive at the donation center, Vitalant workers will have you check in, take you through a questionnaire, and test select vitals to make sure donors will walk out feeling okay. Sometimes not everyone passes through the screening. Maddison McClure intended to donate but unfortunately, her iron levels were too low. 

“I wanted to donate because I knew it would help a lot of people, and people in my family have needed blood,” said McClure. “After I was not able to donate it was incredibly frustrating because I was prepared to donate”. 

For other donors like Isabel Tolotti, the process went well and took advantage of the time donating takes.

“I wanted to donate because it was a good way to miss being in class,” said Tolotti. “I donated last year too for the same reason it is pretty fun!” 

Most of the donors wanted to help make a difference, like first-time donor Andrea Lopez. 

“I chose to donate because I enjoy doing whatever I can to help people,” said Lopez. 

Lopez loved the atmosphere the Vitalant workers created and would donate again. 

“Everything was organized and I felt safe with the people who were taking my blood and they would always ask me questions to make sure I was okay,” said Lopez. 

Honor Society ran the check-in booth and made sure everything was set up in line for donors. 

“It was cool seeing how many people showed up,” said honor society member Sofia Mayorga. “Running the booth was pretty easy, we just checked them in and asked them a variety of questions”. 

The next change to save lives will be December 22, 2022, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. hosted by the gold mines at the Winnemucca Convention Center.