From toilet paper to masks, the necessities for getting through a pandemic-focused life appear limited in stock. But as ports reach max capacity, or ships get stuck in canals, it is hard to tell when store shelves will fill up once again. Not only are stores around the country waiting for supplies to be delivered, but hospitals are running short on blood to give to patients. While most shortages are hard for an individual to control and bring to an end, blood is easy to give and provide for these hospitals.

Realizing the necessity of blood in the community, West held a blood drive on January 21, sponsored by Student Council. Running the drive was sophomore Charlotte Stellpflug, who felt it was really important for the school to provide the opportunity for students.

“It is a really helpful thing and people need blood very frequently, more than one would think,” Stellpflug said. “This is a really good source to get blood for the community since there are many kids in high school and so a lot of kids can donate.”

While there are plenty of kids who want to donate, there is a weight limit per height preventing some from doing so. Even though this may be an issue with donating, there are still ways people can assist.

“Helping out with the blood drive itself is very important, especially if you’re unable to give blood. The more people, the better,” Stellpflug said. “Especially with the blood drives we hold here, there’s a lot of stuff that has to come together. So if people aren’t able to give blood themselves, going out and getting people signed up and recruiting people for the blood drive is very essential.”

For a person donating blood, it is important they take care of themselves before the appointment.

“The best thing you can do is to make sure you eat well a few days before, make sure you get enough water in you so you aren’t dehydrated, make sure you are getting enough vitamins for good blood, and sleep well,” Stellpflug said.

While many blood drives are held throughout the community in hospitals and businesses, some may find themselves more comfortable giving blood at school.

“It’s a less scary environment, a little less nerve-racking than going to a hospital, especially with having your friends running it or having people you know to be there,” Stellpflug said.

Not only does the environment provided by the school come off as more comforting, but it is also a great opportunity to try it out for the first time.

“It is a really good thing to do before you get out of high school because then you know if you’re eligible to do so, if it is something you can handle, or if you know it is something you like doing. I think it’s way easier to be able to donate blood through the school’s blood drive,” Setllpflug said. “It is a really good opportunity to help out the community in general.”

There may be some people unsure about donating blood, but Stellpflug encourages anyone eligible to try it.

“If you’re unsure about donating, I say to just try it. Even if you think you’re not going to like it or will get sick, or anything, just come and help the community. So if you try it once, you can know if you really like doing it,” she said. “You won’t really know how it goes unless you try it. Do it once in your lifetime at least.”

By Ruby Pluchinsky

Oshkosh West Index Volume 118 Issue 4

January 31st, 2022

Blood drive recruits students to help offset national, live-saving shortage