Schechter Hosts Blood Drive

by Rebecca Bazini, SSLI '26

Yesterday, Schechter hosted its second blood drive of the year. As always, it took place in the gym from 8:00 am–2:00 pm and was run by the New York Blood Center. Anyone 16 or older and healthy is able to donate blood to help save up to three lives a year. The students and faculty of Schechter have been able to donate blood during these annual drives for more than a decade now.

For a first-time donor, the process may seem a little frightening, but its impact is remarkable. Senior Joshua Jurmann remarked, “My first time must have been [the] spring of 10th grade, and, I mean, I was a little scared, I admit it. Afterward, I got a letter that my blood went to somebody, and I saved a couple of lives.” He continued, “[Since then] I've donated at least one time at Schechter [annually], and I've also donated a couple times at separate locations.”

Ms. Kelly DeLaire, history teacher and frequent donor, reflected on the process of donating blood. She stated, “Well, first you have to sit down and provide some information about your health history to make sure that you qualify and don't have any concerns. Then, you'll sit down with a technician, and they’ll check your blood pressure and prick your finger to check the iron content of your blood.”

Blood drive poster (@schechterli)

After that step, donors can expect to donate on the stretcher for around 10–20 minutes before one donation, or a pint of blood, is weighed by a special machine. Jurmann stated, “The nurses and workers that run these drives and administer everything, they know what they're doing, and they're very good about comforting you, especially if you're nervous. There's really not much to be afraid of.”

Donors are recommended to wait 10–15 minutes at the table to rest and eat. DeLaire remarked, “I'd say maybe [the entire process is] a little bit less than an hour, only because there might be some wait time involved.”

Schechter isn’t the only place to donate blood—if you missed your chance yesterday, many blood banks across Long Island will take available donors for appointments and walk-ins. By donating, you're not only performing a mitzvah but also actively helping to save lives. Jurmann remarked, “I think blood donation really relates to our mission in our school about giving back and charity.” DeLaire stated, “It's a very beneficial thing to do for the community. I know that it's very appreciated because I know that they're always looking for blood donors for various purposes, and sometimes that could be very difficult.”

For anyone thinking of donating blood soon, the decision is one of the best you can make. “Go for it!” DeLaire exclaimed. “Don't be scared. It's something that's important for anyone who's able to do it as a good citizen once in a while.”

Rebecca Bazini is a staff writer for Paw Print Now and has been published on the site since January 2023. Rebecca is currently a senior at the Schechter School of Long Island and can be reached at the following email address: rbazini26@schechterli.org.