Similar to last fall, Shaler Area High School is hosting its second virtual blood drive. The drive started March 17 and will conclude on March 31. Students and staff can donate blood at any Vitalant blood drive or community donation center.

Physical Education teacher Ms. Marci Jackley, the blood drive sponsor, believes this upcoming drive has a lot more potential than the fall drive.

“Although the last drive wasn’t what we had hoped for in regards to donors, we are planning on this spring drive to be great! I just hope that people take the opportunity of Spring Break to get out there and donate,” Jackley said.

If you wish to sign up for this opportunity that can save up to three lives, check your grade-level Google Classroom and find the post about the blood drive. Open the attachment and click the link that will take you to the sign-up page. Make sure you mention Shaler Area High School at your appointment so our school can receive credit for your donation.

It’s important to take your friends and family to donate as well. Even people who have received a COVID-19 vaccine are qualified for donation as long as they meet all general eligibility criteria.

According to the FDA, blood supplies have been at an all-time low due to COVID and maintaining an adequate blood supply is more crucial now than ever. In fact, people who donate blood are “equivalent to those who work in critical infrastructure industries.”

“I think the selfless act of donating blood is so important because of the number of people it affects- an hour of your time really relates to saving 3 peoples lives. It sounds so simple, it just takes a little bit of your time,” Jackley said.