Granite Bay High School students had the opportunity to make an impact on their community through the campus blood drive, which was hosted last week. Blood donation is one of the simplest yet most meaningful ways a person can give back. According to the American Red Cross, a single donation can help save up to three lives. For patients facing surgeries, cancer treatments or emergencies, donated blood is often the difference between life and death.
At GBHS, the blood drive is not only about collecting blood it’s about educating students on the importance of generosity and community service. Organizers want to emphasize that while donating may seem like a small act, it has a massive ripple effect.
As Ryan Zahadani, the GBHS blood drive Commissioner, puts it “Donating blood, not only does it help others in the community, there’s actually something that we do. It’s called Health booster. It’s not only is it donating your blood, but it actually returns saline back into your body. So that’s an option for people who are above the height and weight requirements.”
For many students, this may be their first time donating, and with that comes questions: Who is eligible? What is the process like? What happens after your blood is collected? The requirements are straightforward: donors must be at least 16 years old (with parental permission), in good health and meet basic weight and safety guidelines. The collected blood is then used around the world to save those in need, blood is used in various medical operations and is desperately needed because of this.
Once a student qualifies, the process takes less than an hour, including check-in, a short health screening, the donation itself and a brief recovery period with snacks and drinks. The experience can also be eye-opening. Donors often report a sense of pride knowing that something as routine as giving blood could help a stranger in need.
Zahadani also tells of ways to prepare the day before, “Have 16 ounces of water an hour before your appointment, and avoid caffeine for 24 hours before your appointment, and just eat a good breakfast and get a good night’s asleep.”
Malia Golden, a senior at GBHS, says “I’ve done it before, and I feel fine afterwards, so I think someone needs it more than anything.”
The school’s organizers hope that this event will encourage more students to at least consider donating. Even if a student isn’t eligible this year, learning about the process and spreading awareness can still make a huge difference. The message is simple: donating blood means helping save lives. Whether you’re a first-time donor or a returning participant, this year’s blood drive offers GBHS students the chance to showcase what it means to care for their community.
