On Tuesday, Oct. 4, the O'Connell Health Services Club held the first of two blood drives scheduled for this school year. Members of the club, led by officers Rosie Coolidge, Ingrid Bayer and Matt Ehlers, worked beforehand to promote the event and register both teachers and students as donors. On the day of the drive, the club members were responsible for signing donors in and providing support, comfort and snacks to all those who gave blood. Before and after the event they all pitched in to set up and clean up, too.
"This year the club was responding to an urgent request and therefore only had one week to plan this blood drive," said Alicia Doran, athletic trainer and Health Services Club moderator. "The club members rallied to the occasion and I commend them on their responsibility, leadership and willingness to help others."
"We are extremely grateful, too, for the enthusiasm and response from the school community," she added. As a result of this one-day drive, 77 units of blood were donated through INOVA Blood Donor Services to meet critical needs in Maryland, D.C. and Virginia.