By Maryam Shabir
Staff Writer | The Pacific Times
NP3 High School’s annual blood drive is set for the school gym on Monday, Feb. 11.
The blood drive is an ongoing event of seven years during which students and staff members can either donate blood cells or red cells to help save lives. Kristina Ayrapetyan is leading the blood drive for the 2018-19 school year as part of her service learning project.
NP3 students and staff are encouraged to participate in the blood drive being coordinated by BloodSource.
“I brought BloodSource again to NP3 because I feel like we have a loving community that always aspires to help out in any situation, including donating blood,” said Ayrapetyan.
After going through a preliminary check by BloodSource staff, individuals sit in a reclining chair while the staff use a needle to draw blood. The blood drawing is only a five to ten minute procedure. Donating red blood cells takes an additional five minutes, as the process requires a machine.
Ayrapetyan urges others to try to donate red cells because “red cell donations are more vital at the time.”
Participants in the blood drive must be at least 16 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. Those who are under 18 must have a signed parental consent form turned in to Ayrapetyan as soon as possible.
Ayrapetyan’s advice for first-time participants: “Breath, the needle may seem scary, but all you really feel is a small pinch and with that, you could help save lives. Just make sure you drink a lot of water and eat a good breakfast to have those veins flowing so the process can be quicker.”
For any further questions about the blood drive or on how to obtain parental consent forms, contact Kristina Ayrapteyan at [email protected].
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