“3, 2, 1,” said David Houpt, Red Cross Representative. 3. The number of lives saved by a single action. 2. Every 2 seconds, someone somewhere needs blood. 1. The number of people that it takes to make a difference.

One of the best ways for a person to help out their community is giving blood. This necessity to life is almost always in a shortage, and everyday, lives are threatened by car accidents and  illnesses because of a lack of blood. By giving a pint of blood, individuals over 16 years of age can give the sick and wounded of the community a second chance. They save lives.

GLSH hosts a Red Cross Blood Drive every year, and this year’s drive on March 27, in the main gym, was a great opportunity for students and faculty to give back. All of the donations given were equivalent to 150 lives saved.

Joey Russo, senior, gave to those in need. “I gave blood to save lives. The more you do it, the better the process gets, and you feel better about yourself. The cookies and pizza after are really great too,” said Russo.

Red Cross volunteers; Sarah Hennessy, Isabella Landry, Kaitlin Morris, Bailey Quinn, Hannah Rudy, Scott Soccio, Ryan Soisson, Jessica Tatone, and Jake Willochell sacrificed a portion of their day to aid the Red Cross in the blood drive. “I volunteered to help because I wanted to give my time to a good cause that needs support from everyone to be successful. Being a part of an event like this really feels like we make a difference,” said Tatone.

Mrs. Zezza, senior high nurse, felt the drive was very successful. “It is a fabulous opportunity for students to help out the community in a selfless way. We can never know what the future holds; they may unknowingly help their own family members someday,” said Zezza.

Zezza confirmed that of the students who signed up to give, only a few deferrals were made. Certain reasons prohibit a person from giving blood, like weight requirements, any illnesses, medications, or low iron in their blood. None of these, however, stopped some generous students from giving.

Houpt made clear how much the Red Cross relies on high school students and young adults donate. “Now is the time when a lot of the donors who have been giving for years are the ones needing blood. This is why it’s so important to build up the next generation of donors with young adults,” said Houpt.

Houpt recalled a specific accident in which someone he cared about needed blood desperately.

About a year ago, one of his friends, Chris, was cruising on his motorcycle, enjoying the warmth and promise of a beautiful spring. As his surroundings zipped past him, he felt the exhilarating rush of wind and excitement.

The next second, Chris was sprawled on the pavement, unable to move. “A truck had crashed into him and broke both of his legs and pelvis,” said Houpt.

Once the ambulance raced to the hospital, doctors determined that Chris had severe internal damage and bleeding. His only chance at surviving was getting a blood transfusion of about 15 units.

“Not only did this blood save Chris’s life, but it spared his wife and three children from feeling the unbearable pain of losing him,” said Houpt.

A blood drive benefits this kind of tragic accident and saves multiple people’s lives. The minimal amount of pain it takes to give blood could never compare to the pain and devastation numerous people would feel if patients did not receive that blood.

“The worst pain I had during the whole experience was when they had to prick my finger for the iron content in my blood. Other than that, it was a great cause that helps a lot of people,” said Luke Shriver, junior, who gave blood at the event.