Dinuba High School’s Medical Academy hosted its annual blood drive on September 6, marking a 15-year tradition. This blood drive was in partnership with The Central California Blood Center. By hosting this event, the Med Academy set a goal to reach a minimum of one hundred pints of blood or more to give back to those in urgent need.
I decided to donate blood for the very first time this year. This experience was both nerve-wracking and rewarding. Despite my fear of needles, I went through with it and left feeling proud. I even walked away with some ice cream in hand.
In preparation for the event, I completed the consent form required for students giving blood. Then I spent the week preparing for my donation by drinking extra water, eating food high in iron, and getting good rest, as advised by the Central Valley Blood Center. The morning of the blood drive, I continued to stay hydrated to ensure I remained ready for my appointment that afternoon.
When I arrived for my appointment time, held in the auto shop area on campus, I checked in with a Med Academy student volunteer who handed me a T-shirt, an ice cream ticket, and a Fresno Fair BOGO (buy one get one) card. A nurse took my information and checked my vitals. My pulse was high at first due to my being nervous, but after some water and calming down, I was cleared to continue.
The pre-screening included private questions, another pulse check to make sure I was feeling more relaxed, and a finger prick to test my iron level. With all requirements met, I was approved to donate.
While waiting my turn, I spoke to the Med Academy teachers, Lucas Lichtenwaldt and Tonya Pennebaker, who coordinate this event each year. They both shared that the blood drive isn’t just about numbers but about providing students and members of the community a chance to give back to others.
“When we have the opportunity to do something selfless for somebody else, it not only affects their lives, but it also affects our own lives positively.” Mr. Lichtenwaldt explained.
The Med students worked together to encourage their classmates and fellow teachers to sign up by educating them about the importance of donating blood. One major challenge for students is the fear of needles. However, when overcoming this fear, Mrs. Pennebaker noted to the students that one slight fear is keeping you from saving lives.
Both Mr.Lichtenwaldt and Mrs.Pennebaker gave some new incentives to encourage future students to donate. The Blood Center is going to start doing a promotion just for Dinuba High School. Students who donate four times during their high school years will be eligible to apply for a $1,000 scholarship and will receive a red cord. Even if a student is deferred from donating due to iron levels, it will still count towards the four times.
Mrs. Pennebaker shared a personal story of her own that shows how meaningful the blood drive can be. Years ago, a Dinuba High School student was in need of a kidney and was at risk of dying. The school hosted a blood drive in this student’s name, looking for a possible match for this student for organ donation. Mrs.Pennebaker said that since she was asking other people to sign up, she decided to sign up as well and found out she was a perfect match, and donated her kidney. Three years later, the student is doing well. Mrs.Pennebaker says it truly was a miracle. The Med Academy looks at stories like these as proof of how small acts such as these can provide life-changing experiences for themselves and others.
When it was finally my turn, I sat in the chair with an ice pack behind my head. My right arm was sanitized, and I squeezed a stress ball while the needle was inserted. The process was uncomfortable but not as scary as I anticipated.
After the donation, I felt lightheaded and overheated. The staff acted quickly, placing ice packs on me, giving me juice, and reminding me to keep my eyes open and to wiggle my toes. Although I felt faint, I never passed out, and after some time, I began to feel better.
For aftercare, I got to pick the color bandage I wanted. I chose teal. I stayed seated until I was stable, and then finally claimed my ice cream reward.
Reflecting on my whole experience, I realized how important it is to push through fears. Even though I was nervous about the needle and felt weak after, I am glad I donated. I would do it again if asked enough times, and I encourage others to try, even if they may be nervous, because in the end, it’s worth it to help save someone’s life.
Another blood drive is planned later this school year. The academy hopes more first-time donors participate. “We’re looking forward to having a lot of first-time donors and seeing how this can positively affect our community,” Mr. Lichtenwaldt added.
