Small act. Big impact.

How to save a life through blood donation.

By: Kaylor Lechel

Every year MHS holds blood drives sponsored by the Heroes Club that help save Americans’ lives. While the National Honor Society conducted blood drives pre-Covid, a new club was created in 2022 called Heroes Club. Assistant Principal Jessica Mann explained, “When we had our 1st drive my nephew was diagnosed with cancer at 19 it was the fall of his freshman year of college. He needed a lot of blood transfusions and blood donations.”  

A survey conducted by The Alltold showed 52.2% of students have been thinking about donating blood but haven't yet.  Of the 17.4 % of Mishawaka High School students who donate, 50% are first time donors. MHS junior Nikko Price explained his motivation, “Not only will it help my community but it will also help get rid of my hemophobia.” 

February's blood drive collected 68 pints. Add this to the 52 pints collected in December, and MHS staff and students will help more than 300 people in the community. Heroes Club sponsor and MHS teacher Wendy McNeely explained that the club receives around $10 per pint. their goal for the The Heroes Club achieved their 2025-2026 school year goal which was “to collect enough units of blood to offer 2 $500 scholarships,” MeNeely explained. Last school year MHS was able to award a $2,500 scholarship to Mariah Shannon. “All because students collected 200 pints of blood. If we keep collecting, more students can get more money for scholarships,” said McNeely.

Dr. Mann offered this advice for those donating,”The first time that you're going to donate you absolutely have to eat a good breakfast of any protein and you should drink a lot [of water]... I usually drink like 60 ounces of water in the morning before…because when you're donating, the more water you have in your body the more water you have in your blood… you donate faster when your blood is thinner…I'm not going to say that it doesn't hurt, because it's slightly uncomfortable but if you have a lot to drink you fill the bag in less than 5 minutes.”

The Hero's Club is always looking for more members. McNeely said, “ A great club member is someone that volunteers with recruitment or helps at the blood drives. They are able to do both but a lot of students have sports after school.”  

There are different blood types everyone has a different blood type they are O, A, B, and AB. The most common blood type is O+  and the rarest blood type is AB-. If you are interested in donating blood please visit the Red Cross website to sign up.