On Tuesday, Nov. 27, the O'Connell Health Services Club held their first blood drive of the year. Members of the club, led by officers Grace Motta, Anneliese Fantini, and Franny Seldin, 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.
"Thanks again for another successful and productive Bishop O'Connell blood drive" said INOVA blood drive coordinator, John Ronan. "We registered 71 donors and collected 42 whole blood, 16 red cells, and 7 platelets, for a total of 65 blood products. This means that 195 lives can be potentially saved!"
"This drive was held the day our students came back from the Thanksgiving holiday," said O'Connell's club moderator, Ms. Alicia Doran. "I was worried initially that our turnout would be low, but I'm so proud of everyone who stepped up to make this such a great event."
The club plans on hosting another blood drive this spring. Stay tuned.
A Special Note - The enthusiastic response to these blood drives is a great tribute to former O'Connell counselor, Mrs. Kathy Black, who passed away just a few weeks ago. During her time at O'Connell (1985 – 2015) she worked tirelessly with the Health Services Club to educate others on the critical needs for blood in our area, and to ensure the success of the school's blood drives. She leaves behind a wonderful legacy of giving back to the community.