By Claire Minor
On Nov. 13, 2025, The American Red Cross came to South Haven Schools for a blood drive! For those who don’t know, The American Red Cross prevents and reduces human suffering when confronted with emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. In simpler terms… The American Red Cross is a non-profit organization that provides compassion through the form of emergency management in the United States.
In advance to the 13th, those wishing to donate had to sign up and schedule an appointment via the website. On the day of, donors had to come into the gym and check in to wait for their appointment. After waiting, donors were called back to have a health screening. In the health screening the donor answers a questionnaire and then a staff member of The American Red Cross reviews the donor’s health history, checks their temperature, blood pressure, and pulse to indicate whether they are eligible to give blood. If the donor passes the health screening they will be taken to get their blood drawn. During the donation, blood is drawn from the arm using a sterile needle with the actual collection taking less time than the preparation, only being 10-15 minutes. After the pint of blood plus some is collected, the donor is finished with the process. A bandage is put on and secured and donors are then offered a snack and beverage.
The blood drive was put on by the National Honor Society (NHS) as a fundraiser, but unfortunately didn’t have enough donors to make a profit. But even without any financial gain, every drop–or pint of blood counts in the name of saving lives!
South Haven News 
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