The Miami Trace FFA, in cooperation with the American Red Cross, holds four blood drives throughout the school year. On Sept. 21, the chapter conducted its first blood drive for the 2018-2019 school year.
Members, students and teachers donated a total of 53 pints, which could potentially save up to 159 lives. The blood drives are held during the school day and students are eligible to sign up to donate during their free period. The FFA officer team is in charge of soliciting donors, as well as setting up and tearing down the blood drive before and after school.
FFA members also donated their time to assist with registration throughout the day of the drive. The remaining three blood drives are scheduled for November, and January and April 2019.
In order to donate blood students must meet the following requirements to give blood: age 16 by the donation date, in good health, and be above a standardized weight requirement. This is necessary as those who do not meet the requirements might be at risk to give. All donors had to have parental consent to give blood, which is school policy. Each student was allowed to sign up for a time that they would donate, this helped in students not missing classes they needed to attend. Many students enjoy donating blood, knowing that they are making an impact in the world.
Miami Trace FFA partners with the Miami Trace FCCLA each blood drive. The FCCLA serves breakfast to ensure that blood donors are in good health and will have a full stomach before donating. Several teachers have offered the students who gave blood to save lives a little extra credit in their class. Refreshments and snacks were provided to those who donated after they were finished.
Students who donate three times before they graduate earn a red cord at graduation. By donating blood, students are able to understand the value of life and are encouraged to continue saving lives. The next blood drive to be conducted by the Miami Trace FFA chapter is on Nov. 16.
