Students get their blood drawn at the VHS blood drive

The VHS blood drive takes place four times a year, giving students opportunities to donate blood. Dani Diaz ’24 said, “I just really hope I can help someone who needs it in the future.” Photo by: Julian Martinez

Lourdes Almalab, Belen Hibbler, and Julian Martinez
October 12, 2022

The first blood drive of the 2022-2023 school year takes place in the Main Street Gym 

The Ventura High School blood drive took place during periods one, three and five Sept. 29 in the Main Street Gym. The blood drive has been occurring quarterly at VHS for about 30 years. 

Students were able to pick their preferred period to skip in order to attend the blood drive. Students had to be 17 years old or older in order to donate blood freely. If someone was 16 years old, they needed a consent form signed by a parent.

Students got a call slip with the time they were to arrive at the gym during their chosen period. ASB students ran a welcoming table in the gym for arriving blood donors. Then, scanned a QR code which took them to a questionnaire about their recent health. After finishing the survey, they got a name tag and waited for their names to be called.

“They asked me if I was in contact with someone who had HIV or AIDS as well as if I had the [COVID-19] vaccine and a couple other things about who I’ve been around,” said Ella Kirkpatrick ‘24. 

When students were called, the nurses went through a few procedures before the student could give their blood. The nurse measured blood pressure, temperature, iron levels and confirmed students’ questionnaire answers. Once verified, the nurse guided them to a recovery bed to draw their blood.

Parker Powers ’24 said, “It [donating blood] is important to me because it feels like a good thing to do as a person.” Photo by: Julian Martinez
There were refreshments and seats available for the donors after they got bandaged. People went to the refreshment area to make sure they feel okay after giving their blood. The nurses urged students to take a seat, eat or drink before going back to class to insure stability and reduce the possibility of passing out. 

Blood drive supervisor Elmerjay Oroc-King said, “Knowing that I am one of the few that collects blood [makes the job special]. There’s two of us from Ventura County that supervise blood drives.”

 “I think donating blood is important because some people don’t have enough resources or don’t have enough blood in hospitals provided to them to help patients who really need it. Us citizens have to help out [and] donate to save lives,” said Dominic Villaloanvo ‘23.

Ella Kirkpatrick ’24 said, “[Getting blood drawn] was a lot better than I thought. I was really scared at first, but then when I actually did it I didn’t feel lightheaded or anything and it went very well.” Photo by: Julian Martinez