Liberty is hosting its second annual blood drive on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, from ten a.m. until two p.m. in the Liberty auxiliary gym. The Liberty Difference Makers are coordinating the event along with the University of Iowa’s DeGowin Blood Center.
Donating blood is impactful, potentially saving up to three lives per pint of blood donated. Last year’s blood drive brought in 18 pints. The Difference Makers hope to surpass last year’s total donations.
Jenifer Secrist (she/her), Liberty Difference Makers advisor and science teacher shared that right now there’s a saline shortage from the previous hurricanes and fall storms. Because of them, a lot of the blood that was banked up had been lost. Due to this shortage, it is imperative that the blood drive brings in as many donations as possible to satisfy the need for stored blood.
“It’s very critical people donate blood now so we can build up what they lost and protect from any future catastrophes,” said Secrist.
The lack of blood supply is impacting cancer patients, which is especially relevant in Johnson County. With the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics as well as the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital neighboring Liberty High School, it is imperative that the blood drive brings in the blood supply.
“[They] go in on a routine schedule to get a blood transfusion to replace the blood cells they’ve lost, and are getting cut first because we don’t have the supply,” said Secrist.
Makayla Beachy, 11, (she/her) is one of the student leaders of the Difference Makers Club. She is helping coordinate and publicize this year’s event.
“When you get there, you check in and they have you take a mini-physical to get you ready for the chair. They provide lots of snacks and drinks, and you’re only in the chair for about 15 minutes. Then you can go to the front table and talk to the awesome people for about ten minutes while you reset before you go back to class,” said Beachy.
If interested in donating, students can schedule an appointment in Secrist’s classroom, H228. Those interested in donating must be 16 with parental consent, or 17 without parental consent. Be aware of the implications that donating blood has, and make sure that students are eligible to donate blood. The Liberty High School Difference Makers hope to see Liberty students at their blood drive on Tuesday, March 4th.
