On Oct. 27, students entered the University High School Gym for the school’s annual blood drive. Red Cross staff handled equipment and checked donors in while students arrived during their scheduled time slots. The event was run with help from the PTSA and organized through the American Red Cross.
The blood drive involved several steps, and students were asked to eat and drink plenty of water before arriving. The gym was arranged with beds, check-in stations and snack tables.
“When you come prepared, eaten, and hydrated, we check your health history and blood levels,” senior Samuel Gerrarg said. “Then we lay you down, scrub your arm, and draw a full unit of blood. It can save up to three lives.”
The process began with a hemoglobin test, followed by the draw and a short recovery period. Students were given snacks and water before returning to class.
“We’re expecting around 70 donors today,” Red Cross helper Julie Schulman said. “That’s a little lower than past years, but still a good turnout.”
Students were encouraged to download the Red Cross Blood Donor App. The app displayed blood type and tracked the location of a donation. Schulman said turnout depends on outreach and students’ schedules.
“The biggest challenge is getting people who are willing to donate,” Schulman said. “We use SignUpGenius to organize volunteers and send out emails through the PTSA.”
Senior Siddarth Pullela was one of the students who made a donation. He said his mom, who works in the medical field, encouraged him to participate.
“My mom told me I should donate,” Pullela said. “She’s a doctor, so she knows how important it is.”
Before donating, Pullela spoke with a Red Cross staff member who explained the processes.
“I didn’t know what to expect, but one of the staff members walked me through everything that made it easier,” Pullela said.
The drive attracted first-time donors and students who had previously donated. Everyone followed the steps and finished during their slots. Some looked nervous, others joked around with friends while waiting.
“Being here with everyone, like your friends, makes it feel like something bigger,” Pullela said.
Students went through the full process, from check-in to recovery. Units were labeled and packed after each draw, with staff tracking totals and preparing the blood for transport. Organizers said the schedule stayed on track and most time slots were filled.
As the last donors left the gym, the staff cleaned up the equipment and thanked the volunteers. The event wrapped up smoothly, marking another successful year for the UHS blood drive—one that demonstrated how even small acts, such as donating a single unit of blood, can make a life-changing difference.
