Februrary 11– Heartland Blood Center visited Kaneland High School and gave students the chance to donate one pint of their blood to people in need. This relatively simple process saves lives.

Students 16 and older were eligible to donate blood, with 16 year olds requiring parent consent.

The process starts with registration, then a mini physical exam, the actual donation and finally a short recovery period where you rehydrate and have a snack.

“It was so easy to donate blood. You just have to read a couple of papers, and the people are so nice,” Taylor Washlow said.

Donors described the feeling afterwards, and most were positive.

“It feels really good knowing you’re helping people and saving lives for doing something so easy, and it doesn’t even hurt,” Brittany Anderson said.

Donated blood is transported by Heartland to people in need of blood transfusions.

“After the blood is donated, we take it with us back to our lab in Aurora and send it out to hospitals. One pint of blood saves three lives,” phlebotomist Briana Hawkins said.

As a school, Kaneland has made a substantial difference regarding blood donations.

“Heartland was extremely happy with the turnout this year. Seventy-three students and staff members donated blood, potentially saving 219 lives,” Teaching coach Lori Grant said.

“High schools are our biggest contributors of blood; kids try it and become lifelong donors,” Hawkins said

The demand for blood is constant. One in three people will need a blood transfusion in their life.

“The need for blood is constant. It’s one of the easiest and most effective ways to help somebody,” Hawkins said.