Colton students save lives at Renaissance-hosted second blood drive of the year

Sarah Sanchez, Pepper Bough Staff Writer|November 17, 2021

Aileen Martin

Senior Emily Hernandez checks her phone as her blood is drawn at the second LifeStream Blood Drive of the 2021-22 school year.

Colton, CA—Yesterday, Colton High students saved lives at the second LifeStream Blood Drive of the year. The event, hosted by Colton High Renaissance, was held in the MacIntosh Gym. 

Senior Leea Palma shows that it isn’t all that scary to give blood and save some lives.

Over 50 students came to give blood. According to Alexandra Buskirk, ASB adviser and event supervisor, there were no issues such as dehydration, fainting, or any other problems that sometimes happen during these drives.

“Some of them are a little nervous when they come in, if it’s their first time,” Buskirk said. “It’s been very pleasant and calm in here. Tranquil,” she added with a laugh.

Junior Emily Hernandez has been giving blood since her sophomore year. “It only takes five minutes and 24 secs to give a whole bag,” she said. 

Student volunteers each give a pint of blood. Some donate plasma as well.  it makes me feel kind,” Hernandez said. “It makes me have a warm feeling because I know I’m saving lives.’’

Linda Bachlidge, a Collections Training Instructor for LifeStream, shared how much a single pint of blood helps. “With one pint of whole blood you can save eight babies and three adults,” she said. 

LifeStream is a non-profit organization that services over 80 hospitals and medical facilities across southern California. Their website shares they need to collect 500 blood donations daily to “fulfill patient need.” With high schools back in session, they can get more collections from compassionate teenagers in the local area.

At Colton High, some of those teens felt nervous, not knowing what to expect from a blood draw. Renaissance made sure to have students assigned as hand holders for those needing support. Additionally, snacks were provided for the donors to get their energy up after giving up a pint of blood.

Giovanny Pech, a CHS senior, had his first experience giving blood at the event. “I felt kinda nervous, didn’t know what to expect,” he said. After watching the blood come out of his body, he sighed in relief and shared, “It’s not that bad. Thought it would be worse.”

Then he added how glad he was to help “the kids in need.”