‘One Drop at a Time’ is a series written by American Red Cross North Texas Region youth volunteers chronicling the journey of blood from donor to patient.
By: Kevin Srun
I was searching for a local American Red Cross blood drive location, and I found one at Northside High School in central Fort Worth, Texas. When the doors opened, a steady stream of student donors arrived, ready to help save lives.
The atmosphere was safe and busy as Red Cross staff set up in the school’s gym, creating an inviting space to ensure donors felt comfortable donating blood. The drive lasted from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Individuals came in, donated and left knowing that their contribution would make a significant difference in someone's life.
When I arrived in the early afternoon, I spoke with a couple of the people who make these events possible: a donor who selflessly offers their blood and a staff member who coordinates the entire operation.
I first had the pleasure of chatting with Colette, a junior at Northside High School. She was there giving blood for the first time to the Red Cross. Colette was eager to donate for the first time, saying she was “already interested in the idea of giving blood.” She shows that the decision to donate blood can come intrinsically.
Like many donors, Colette doesn’t hesitate to give. She and other donors explained that the process is simple and relatively quick, often taking less than an hour. They emphasized how the kindness and professionalism of the Red Cross team make the experience even more rewarding.
Later in the day, I spoke with Talina Taylor, a collection supervisor in the Dallas-Fort Worth area with the Red Cross. She’s been involved in blood drives since she started as a collection specialist. She manages the responsibilities of setting up the drive, ensuring the staff has all the necessary equipment and ensuring the drive's flow is smooth.
“When I started learning more about the Red Cross and getting involved, I wanted to pursue something within biomedical and health-related fields,” Talina told me. Her self-discovery led her to her passion for helping run blood drives and serving the community by ensuring the flow of blood from donors to those in need of blood.
Talina also shared that while the need for blood is constant, donations tend to slow down at certain times, especially during holidays or inclement weather. When blood supplies run low, treatment and medical procedures may be delayed. That’s why drives like the one at Northside High School are so vital. They ensure there is always a ready supply of blood available for those in need. Thus, it is our duty to maintain sufficient blood supplies to save more lives.
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