Junior Andrew Cardenas fills out forms before donation. Donating blood requires extensive inspection and formality to prevent problems such as blood-borne illnesses. The pre-donation process also includes a blood screening.

Hoxworth’s donation setup. The Hoxworth Blood Center’s headquarters are located at the University of Cincinnati. Services currently provided by Hoxworth for patients include photopheresis, therapeutic apheresis, and red blood cell exchange

A technician begins the donation process with a student. To donate, one must be at least 16 years of age, weigh at least 100 lbs and must feel well at the time of donation. There are also special height requirements depending on gender and weight.

Blood is extracted from a student’s arm. The tube brings the blood to connect in a pint bag. Drawing blood requires a needle, perhaps driving away potential donors.

Sophomore, Mason Taylor relaxes while donating. The process takes different amounts of time for different people depending on their speed of circulation. Some people are such slow bleeders they can not fill the bag.

Technicians check on donating students. In the event of discomfort, donors may request cold towels for their foreheads and bedpans in the event of nausea. If one is having difficulties with blood speed and vein location, they may be asked to squeeze a stress ball.

The snacks and drinks available to donors. Post-donation donors receive free food as both a reward and a rehabilitator. Drawing blood drains energy so anyone who donates is required to rest and eat until they feel strong enough to return to class.

Principal Doug Mader sits with junior Caroline Shor at the donor rest area. It may take a while for donors to regain strength after donating. Immediate activity could result in dizziness, nausea, or fainting.

Principal Doug Mader converses with staff and student council members. Blood drives are often held at high schools with the combined student and faculty support behind them. Some Sycamore students or staff members may have even benefited from donated blood.

Senior student council members assisted junior class representatives who were responsible for organizing the annual blood drive. Reps help register students and run the snack and rest areas.