Make A positive impact at the GHS blood drive this Friday

Gloucester High School will be hosting a blood drive with the Red Cross tomorrow, December 5th. GHS students have the opportunity to give their blood and save lives.

In the context of the current healthcare system, the Red Cross is in desperate need of blood. A national blood shortage has been ongoing since 2024. The national blood supply has dropped by more than 25% since July 1, 2024.

“For trauma patients, each minute of delay can increase the chance of death by 5%.” Dr. Baia Lasky, division chief medical officer for the Red Cross, said. “More than a quarter of all blood products each year are used in critical care and emergency room situations — those transfusions are only available because of the generosity of blood and platelet donors.”

It is with the selfless blood donations of people just like GHS students and staff that can make all the difference.

Kurt Lichtenwald is a science teacher at GHS and a recipient of blood transfusion. “It is like paying it forward, you’re trying to take care of other people, so when your time comes, if it ever does, there will be a blood supply for you,” he said. “The best thing to do is to give blood as much as possible, especially if you are one of those unusual blood types.”

On Friday, December 5th, GHS students and staff alike will have the opportunity to take part in the annual GHS Blood Drive and potentially save hundreds of lives.