Perkins blood drive has strong turnout

PERKINS TWP. — A recent American Red Cross blood drive at Perkins High School was a surprise success. Sponsored by the Perkins High School chapter of the National Honor Society, the Thursday blood drive had all 50 appointments booked. A typical blood drive at Perkins High School before the pandemic had approximately 20 bookings. Approximately 45 pints of blood were donated. Each pint can save up to three lives. Kennadi Shultz, a National Honor Society executive officer, said organizers were excited about the turnout. "In addition to saving lives, Perkins can get a $1,000 scholarship for a graduating National Honor Society member because there were 50 donors," she said. Organizers were not the only ones happy about the Perkins blood drive. Many students who were first-time donors were surprised by the ease of the process. Some student donors attended the drive with family members who were also donating. Kailey Hirshman, a Perkins student and National Honor Society member, went to donate with her grandfather, who usually donates blood. Kailey plans to donate again. "I was surprised at how easy it was," she said. Experienced donors included Perkins High School staff and community members. Among them was local resident Nancy Kinsel, who donates often. "I had not donated since the start of the pandemic. It feels good to do some service again," Kinsel said. Donors were kept safe with COVID-19 protocols. A hands-free thermal scan was enforced at the entrance. At the beginning of the pandemic, donors were not allowed to enter if their body temperature was above 99.5 degrees. The same standard applied during Thursday's drive. An additional oral temperature was taken before donors could give blood. Masks, social distancing and cleaning between donations keep donors safe at all Red Cross blood drives. Following these protocols, the blood drive was a success. Red Cross account manager Mary Ann Betton stressed the ease of donating blood. "Everybody makes an appointment because of the six feet distancing and COVID protocols. The appointments are very easy to do, especially with the American Red Cross blood donor app," she said. Perkins' National Honor Society already has plans to host another blood drive in May. Find more local blood drives at redcrossblood.org.