Why Donate?

Around 29,000 units of red blood cells are needed for life-saving transfusions every day in the United States. That is hundreds upon thousands of people in need of emergency procedures whose lives could be saved with just sixty minutes of your day. Donating blood is an easy process if you know how to find a drive and what to do. The donating itself takes less than fifteen minutes, and every donor is given time to rest and ensured a safe rest of their day. Anyone is eligible to donate blood, and organizations like the American Red Cross provide plenty of support to drives around the nation.

Power Red

Power Red Donations are a type of process called apheresis offered at some Red Cross donations. During this, blood is taken out similarly to a normal donation, but then, a machine extracts the red blood cells and returns other parts of the blood, like plasma and platelets. Red blood cells (RBCs) are crucial in gas exchange within our body; they carry oxygen from the lungs through the bloodstream and carbon dioxide back to the lungs. Because of this, it is vital for patients with chronic anemia (lack of red blood cells) and other conditions related to anemia to receive the right treatment. In fact, RBCs are among the most commonly transfused blood components.

Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell disease is a common inherited condition that affects red blood cells, often leading to other health problems like organ damage or acute anemia. Normal RBCs are soft and round, able to get through even tiny blood vessels. However, RBCs in those with sickle cell disease are irregularly shaped. An excess of an abnormal hemoglobin (an important protein in blood) type causes them to become crescent- or sickle-shaped, and, these stiffer cells cause blockages in blood vessels. Transfusions of healthy RBCs, though, help mitigate the effects of sickle cell disease and manage the corresponding symptoms.

Kingsway’s Impact

Kingsway has hosted a blood drive twice a year for the past two years, an initiative started by the class of 2025’s Natalie Horchuck as a service learning project in partnership with the American Red Cross. This year’s fall drive fell on October 17th with a great donor turnout. And, donating is not the only way people can help. For those who are ineligible to donate, volunteering and raising awareness are equally important in our nation’s fight against a decreasing blood supply. Stay tuned for the next drive in May 2026— another chance for Kingsway HS members to pitch in!