On Tuesday, Nov. 14, students ages 16 and older donated blood in the small gym.

The mobile donation center, set up in the small gym, was the result of an annual collaboration between the Red Cross and ASB. The donation center had six beds as well as tables set up for students who had signed up to donate.

In total, there were roughly 105 students aged 16 and up who donated blood, with 70 being appointments and 35 being walk-ins. 

“We were able to get so many walk-ins that the nurses were overwhelmed, and we even had to turn away some donors,” Blood Drive Committee Commissioner Omar Serafin said. “I’m really glad that Van Nuys High School has that spirit, to be able to donate to save a life.”

Students who donated gave a pint of blood. The pumping, which takes around 15 minutes and varies by donor, is followed by a 20-minute resting period. Donors were offered water, juice and snacks by the Red Cross to offset the symptoms of giving blood, which include feeling light-headed, hot, sweaty or nauseous. Complimentary pizza was also offered to students courtesy of EduCare. 

“I have to say this year’s blood drive was a great success. Thanks to ASB, we were able to meet our blood donation quota,” Serafin said.