By Michelle Bui
FVHS’s Red Cross Club hosted a blood drive on campus Thursday, October 25 with the UCI Bloodmobile.
In previous years, the club has used the American Red Cross for their blood drive.
Red Cross Club Vice-President Joy Chen (’13) explained the reason for the change.
“The American Red Cross requires a lot more paperwork,” said Chen. “Also the school prefers we don’t use the gym because when we use the gym for the whole day, we inconvenience the school.”
With the new organization came new requirements for blood donors. The UCI Bloodmobile’s minimum age requirement is 17 years old as compared to the Red Cross’ 16 year old minimum. The change limited donors to mostly seniors and some juniors.
The increased age requirement wasn’t the only obstacle for many potential donors. Another requirement that prevented many students from donating was the weight minimum. Donors had to weigh at least 110 pounds with their clothes off or 112 pounds with their clothes on. Many students who were turned away were frustrated with the change.
“I liked how they took careful precautions, but I thought it was pretty ridiculous how they rejected me because I was one pound too light,” said Annie Bui (‘13) who was forced to weigh herself at the nurse’s office before she was rejected.
Due to the strict requirements many donors who were unable to donate felt unsatisfied with the drive.
Kevin Nguyen (‘13) said, “ It was not as good as (American) Red Cross which was indoors, gave out sandwiches, had lots of food, and less restrictions. I also had a tetanus shot and they didn’t want people with vaccinations.”
Although those unable to pass the requirements were frustrated by the new organization, those who did pass were satisfied with the new procedures.
Patric Areyan (‘13) felt that the blood drive was “pretty good. It went quicker than I thought it would. The physicians were really friendly and hilarious. I liked sitting and listening to the doctors telling jokes.”
Photographed By: Tue Duong
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