Written By Jonathan Markovics |

Did you know that type O-Negative blood (red cells) can be transfused to patients of all blood types?  Type O is known as the universal donor, and only seven percent of people in the United States have this blood type.  It is always in great demand but is often short in supply.

Each year the National Honor Society at Morgan hosts two American Red Cross Blood Drives.  Students and faculty quickly fill the appointment slots to miss their least favorite class or to get out of class in general.  However, donating blood is not all about avoiding your least favorite class, but rather to save lives.

The first blood drive of the ‘13-‘14 school year will be held on Tuesday, October 15, in Gym A from 7:45 AM to 12:45 PM.  Signups will begin on Monday, October 7, 2013, during all lunches.

To all of you that are nervous about donating blood, here are some comforting words from Ms. White, who donated blood for the first time last spring.  “I was afraid of needles and nervous to give blood, but my blood is the universal donor so I wanted to donate.  Surprisingly, the needle did not hurt.  The people taking the blood were very professional.  Afterwards I didn’t feel dizzy; donating blood was quick and painless.  I encourage all students to donate, even if you are afraid of needles.”

The Morgan National Honor Society finds hosting the blood drives rewarding.  The NHS members run this event and it is for a good cause that benefits others in Connecticut.

Mr. Brian Young, a Red Cross Blood Drive Representative, came to a NHS meeting and emphasized that donating blood saves up to three lives.  It is only a ten minute procedure, and he would love to have all that are eligible to donate.  For more information on what happens to the blood after you donate, please read Steph Strucaly’s article “Got Blood?”  According to the American Red Cross, every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood.  Donate blood now!