BY KRISTIN D'ALBA

On Nov. 19, many students and faculty members participated in Mamaroneck High School’s annual blood drive. Over 100 people came to volunteer at the event. MHS contributed 88 pints of blood, an increase from last year’s 85 pints.

The Blood Drive was sponsored by Sound Shore Medical Center. The criteria for donating blood are very restrictive. One must be 18 years of age or 16 with parental consent, a minimum of 110 pounds, free of cold or flu symptoms and not have had any piercings or tattoos in the last 12 months.

Also, many students who have traveled to an undeveloped country or who have taken certain medicines are not permitted to volunteer. Due to the age restrictions, only seniors were permitted to donate.

Students who participated in the blood drive were excused from class while they donated. Although a rewarding experience, some participants experienced light headedness, some cases resulting in the student fainting.

The Director of Sound Shore Medical Center’s blood drive, Christine Robertson, said, “MHS is the biggest blood drive for us by far.” This recent drive was nothing short of a success.

According to the American Red Cross, “every two seconds someone is in need of blood.” Blood has a relatively short shelf life, so it is crucial for eligible participants to donate.

After blood is drawn, it is sent to a lab where the blood is separated into its integral components. Each part is tested to ensure it contains no diseases, and then it is transferred to an individual in need.

Typically, a pint of blood is taken per donor, and one pint can potentially help 3 individuals.

Since the school partnered with Sound Shore Medical Center for the event, it is guaranteed the blood will be used locally. This means that the blood donated will help people within the Larchmont/Mamaroneck community.

In order to promote students to participate in the event, macroeconomics teacher Adam Sobel and physics teacher Miguel Nunes offered extra credit to those who donated or tried to donate blood.

“I want to be a motivator,” Sobel said. “If I can get someone to donate for the first time, they will do it forever.”

In fact, that is exactly what happened. Senior and first time donor Willy Seife said, “I was nervous to begin with, but I’m glad I did it.”

The blood drive gave students and faculty the opportunity to save many lives, and MHS is proud of all its participants. After helping out, smiley face stickers and bright colored bandaids were provided to participants who gave blood.

Coordinator of Student Affairs, Carol Scheffler said, “MHS made a huge impact, not only on this year’s blood supply for a local hospital, but also in helping to create a small army of people who will likely donate the rest of their lives and help thousands of people.”