On average, every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood. The average amount for a blood transfusion is three pints, and almost 6.8 million Americans give blood every year according to redcrossblood.org. At Xavier High School, around 30 students donated blood on October 12 and helped save lives within the Cedar Rapids community. Students who were not able to donate helped by volunteering to set up and tear down the blood drive, as well as helping with sign-up sheets. Having a blood drive at school can really increase the chances of high school students donating, school nurse Kris Naeve said.

“Well, the kids get out of class,” Naeve joked, “but having it here does make it more accessible for those who have busy schedules. They can do it during the day.”

Those who are able to donate blood usually feel really good after the donation, according to senior Genna Pieper. This was Pieper’s first time donating and it was quite the experience for her.

“It was my first time and needles are my biggest fear, but I overcame that to help people that need it,” Pieper said.

Thanks to her blood, Pieper could help more people than she expected.

“I actually didn’t give enough blood to be able to use in hospitals so instead they’re taking it to labs to try and find a cure for different diseases,” Pieper said.

This could potentially help more people than imagined. This is also something people do not necessarily think of when they think about donating blood. As for donating in the future, Pieper says she would do it again and encourages others to participate as well.

Students can earn a cord at graduation if they have donated a gallon of blood during their high school career.

“During the senior award ceremony, they will receive an award for donating a gallon of blood,” Naeve said.

Many students strive to achieve this award, and, in fact, many students from Xavier have.

“We usually have around two to three kids each year that earn this award. Last year I think we had five,” Naeve said.

These students helped Xavier to become one of the schools that donates the most blood in the Cedar Rapids area. Naeve believes this is because Xavier informs their students about the Gallon Grad award.

Students are able to donate blood every 56-57 days. These donations will go towards their contribution to get their Gallon Grad award.

Lauren Nelson

News Writer