WOODBURY –  Nonnewaug high schools National Honors Society hosts three blood drives per year. At Nonnewaug High School, the tradition of hosting blood drives is more than just community service, it’s a vital hands-on opportunity for our students to save lives. 

Greta Addeo, Junior at Nonnewaug understands the importance of these critical events. 

“Knowing that I can help other people in need, and it only takes a few minutes out of my day, makes it so easy,” said Addeo.

Donating can be quick and simple, one donation or pint of blood, can save up to three people. Giving blood provides a direct lifeline for patients. 

Melissa Hodges, head of Nonnewaug’s National Honors Society implores students to consider the impact these events have on those in desperate need.

“Each donation has a chance to save multiple lives, giving a minimal effect and a piece of your time can have such a large impact,” Hodges said. 

A whole blood donation takes around 8-10 minutes. Each year 13.6 million units of whole blood and red blood cells are collected in the U.S a year.  

 Donating blood is a choice that could eventually save someone’s life. 

“I’ve donated in previous years, and I feel good about knowing I’m helping people. A lot  of people need blood,” says senior Grant Wilmont. ”And I’m able to donate a pint and give someone a chance to live.” 

Just like Wilmont, junior Jack Zenteck also liked having the chance to donate his blood to help people. 

“It was a very good experience,” says Zenteck. “I enjoy helping people, so I think that giving blood is a good thing.”

Junior Greta Addeo also believes that you should do it because it helps people. 

“Knowing who I can help and the circumstances that some people are in really dictates my decision- helping me realize I’m doing something good,” says Addeo.