Hamburg Area High School held a blood drive last year around the same time, as we rolled into spring. This year they have taken a big leap in the preparation and improving benefits for patients. Student Council advisor, Mrs. Sinipoli has taken charge with juniors Kaylum Riegel and Kaylea Detweiler. Along with all officer chairs and Mr. Gaul’s support. Last year there were 16 donors, compared to this year having 36 donors. Now they have opened this opportunity up even to our lunch crew staff. The blood drive is growing in numbers.
Early 2026, dropped by 35% in national inventory caused by, and caused by flu outbreaks. The American Red Cross reports that in the Southeastern Pennsylvania Region alone, hundreds of blood donations have gone uncollected, with 13 drives affected in one instance. The shortage, deemed a “major concern” in the state, is especially critical for type O, A negative, and B negative blood, as hospital demand continues to outpace supply.
Doing this in high school shows teens how to give and care for others. Some may even experience an interest in medical fields like a CNA. It is an experience for the kids. However there are some requirements.
When signing up, only 16+ are permitted to donate. Although ages of 16 have to be approved with a parent consent signature. There were pamphlets distributed to the volunteers with different restrictions that may restrict them from donating. For example, if an individual has a fresh piercing, they are not permitted to donate. Donors got snack bags for the morning/afternoon of the scheduled appointment, snacks like Go-Gurtz, oranges, water, and more. The student council does an amazing job of making this process easy and less painful.
