The PDS Community Health Club (CHC) recently hosted another successful blood drive in partnership with the Red Cross, collecting 25 pints of blood and reaching a total of 54 pints combined with the fall Blood Drive. That means that the PDS community’s blood drive has helped save about 162 lives.
However, the impact goes beyond the numbers. “Our goal isn’t just to donate blood – it’s also to bring the PDS community together around a shared cause,” explained CHC co-head and junior Anna Burke. “Everyone felt really good knowing that they were helping save lives, and they had a lot of fun.”
For those who weren’t able to donate, CHC emphasized that spreading awareness is just as important. Another co-head of CHC, junior Rhea Ajmera added, “We would love it if you came out to volunteer, but we don’t really need a huge team. It’s all about word of mouth.” Talking to friends, encouraging others to donate, and helping to build awareness are essential to the success and impact of the blood drive. Thanks to their hard work, CHC received a $1,000 scholarship from the Red Cross for surpassing the 50-pint milestone. While the club is still deciding where exactly to allocate the funds, they’re committed to using it in ways that uplift the school community. Looking ahead, CHC has several upcoming initiatives in mind. They’re planning a community-wide summer blood drive that aims to extend beyond PDS, as well as exploring potential CPR certification opportunities and hygiene kit distributions for next year.
For student donors, the experience was both meaningful and empowering. Junior Jules Hartman shared, “The experience was quick and simple… They make the process as smooth as possible.” She added, “I would definitely do it again… I know how vitally important blood donation is and how simple it is for me to donate. I encourage everyone to donate!”
CHC’s recent efforts show how our school and student-led initiatives can have such a measurable impact on the broader community. With more projects planned and continued student involvement, the club is building on its momentum to promote public health and service in meaningful ways.
