In July 2024, the American Red Cross reported that the blood supply dropped by 25%, resulting in a blood shortage. Type O blood has the highest shortage, so it is vital for those with Type O blood to donate. Contributing to the issue, the American Red Cross states that “an active cold and flu season may prevent people from keeping donation appointments as they rest and recover from illness.”

Oak Park High School hosts many blood drives through the Red Cross Association each year. This is the second blood drive that ASB is holding this year. In the Halloween blood drive OPHS students donated 47 gallons of blood. 

The Valentine’s Blood drive is on Feb. 19. Students who choose to donate blood receive a $15 gift card to the place of their choice, food and a T-shirt. 

“Students should donate because it’s an opportunity to give back to your community at little to no cost to you,” Junior ASB member Katya Clark wrote to the Talon.

Students can register to give blood online and can pick their desired time slot on a 2-4-6 day. Participating donors must be 16 or older in order to donate blood. 

Additionally, students are able to receive National Honors Society credit for donating blood. Students who are in NHS can receive one of their six necessary credits by participating in the blood drive held by ASB. 

“The blood drive is an event that we put on so we can collect blood to give to hospitals. This is usually for people who need blood transfusion etc,” Clark wrote. “The benefits of donating are that you can be helping save a person’s life.”