Bleeding for a Purpose

Be positive and give back.

A blood drive was held at Bullitt East on Nov. 4, 2022.

The healthcare pathway students were able to help run the Blood Drive alongside a Red Cross team. While the medical professionals got to do the actual blood drawing and all of the technical procedures, the students still held large roles in this process.

All of the students had different roles throughout the day. Some students were signing people in, monitoring patients after their blood had been drawn, running the juice and snack station and some sitting with people as their blood was drawn for support. After the blood drive concluded, lots of students stayed behind to help put chairs away, sweep the floors and roll the tarps up.

“I think it’s a great idea to have it at the high school. I think it gives our students a chance to be able to give back and give to the community,” Health Science pathway teacher Bethany Hensley said. In addition to allowing students in the school a chance to give back, having the blood drive helped to provide real world healthcare experience to the Health Science pathway students.

Over the whole school day, even with an hour delay to start due to some technology issues, there still managed to be 56 units drawn. Over 150 lives can be saved from 56 units alone. This is a huge success. There were many people that were still in line waiting to donate and the line had to be cut off because school was coming to an end for the day.

Many students who had their blood drawn had never had it drawn before. “It’s for a good cause. I’d rather be lightheaded for a little bit and save lives so it’s worth it,” senior Health Science student Peyton Bibb said. There were a few reactions from people after being finished but this was expected and the whole team was prepared for any type of reaction.

There will be more blood drives hosted by the Red Cross and the Health Science pathway at Bullitt East within the next few months.