By Emily Aguilar

The American Red Cross vehicle/blood lab on the ERHS Campus (Photo By: Emily Aguilar)

Eastvale – Many students are beginning to realize the importance of giving back to their community: they volunteer, they host fundraisers, and they try to promote philanthropy.

When the American Red Cross offered to let ERHS students donate blood on Jan. 23, over a hundred students – mostly upperclassmen – rolled up their sleeves to donate their blood in the school cafeteria.

Donating blood is necessary for patients who have been in traumatic accidents or have health related issues, but the drawing of blood isn’t as simple as it seems. Eligible donors have to be over 100 pounds, cannot have health-related issues such as diabetes, must be at least 16, and must face the risk of feeling immense fatigue afterwards. Even after signing away their consent, nurses must ask the donors a series of questions to ensure that they are physically prepared to undergo the rigorous process.

In spite of these barriers, students still stand by the belief that their half hour of discomfort is worth saving someone’s life.

ERHS student and blood drive volunteer, Jackie Camuy (Photo By: Emily Aguilar)

Included in the ERHS donors, was Jackie Camuy, an avid volunteer who has donated blood numerous times. Despite the anxiousness that she felt while having a nurse draw her blood, she has never been hesitant to take advantage of the opportunity to make a difference in someone else’s life.

“I feel like it is my responsibility to contribute to society in any way possible. I specifically chose to donate blood because I want to give somebody a better chance to live.” Camuy stated.

For those interested in donating blood or volunteering in the medical field, please visit http://www.redcross.org.