Colton High held a LifeStream blood drive on October 24 at the McIntosh gym. It was my second time donating with this company and I am happy to say that it was a pleasant experience! During my sophomore year I donated plasma and this year I donated blood.

The people working with LifeStream make you feel very relaxed and happy about your decision to donate. They are constantly telling you, “Thank you!” and make you feel that your participation is greatly appreciated.

When you first walk into the gym, you register to be a donor, take your picture, and then your iron levels are tested. Iron in the blood is extremely important because if you do not have a good amount of iron, then it is likely that you may pass out after donating. After the iron test, you are asked questions that determine whether you can or cannot donate. The final step is donating blood or plasma.

The difference between donating plasma and blood is that when donating plasma, blood is taken out and goes through a machine that separates the plasma and blood platelets. Once it’s separated, the blood is returned back into the body. When donating blood, blood is taken out and nothing is given back to the body.

After donating, you are given cookies, other snacks, and juice to help replenish your body with sugars and nutrients. After relaxing for about 15 to 20 minutes, you return back to class.

Renaissance did a great job on conducting the blood drive! Everything was very organized, clean, and well-handled. I felt like I was in constant care and that I was doing the right thing by donating to possibly save a life.

LifeStream holds blood drives because the need for blood is constantly in demand. Hospitals always in need of blood to save patients’ lives that have lost a substantial amount of blood and are on the verge of life or death. Next time Colton High has a blood drive, be sure to donate and save a life!