The American Red Cross and Calla High School hosted a blood drive on Aug. 31. Students and staff donated much-needed blood and positively impacted the lives of others and their community. 

Donating blood is a vital and selfless act that can save lives and benefit donors and recipients in several ways. Event organizer and Calla teacher Shane Armstong recognized the Lobos could make a significant contribution to the well-being of others and called on the campus to support the cause. 

“It was a great day for Calla students to rally around this opportunity,” Armstrong said. “We had a great turnout of donors and showed what Calla is all about.”

Giving blood not only saves lives, assists with medical needs, and alleviates shortages (donated blood has a shelf-life of 42 days), but it also is a great community bonding experience where donors can show up for a sense of unity and purpose. It is a selfless act that benefits recipients and donors (it can stimulate the production of new blood cells and reduce the risk of certain medical conditions, such as iron overload.)

Twenty-eight people donated blood, which translates to 81 saved lives. The Lobos can rest assured that they have made a significant and genuine contribution to the well-being of others, and they should be delighted and fulfilled with the experience.

If you are interested in donating blood, contact the American Red Cross Donation Center at www.redcrossblood.org or call (209) 235-0971 to make an appointment.