LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. – The hospital is quiet besides the beeping of the many machines. A teenager lies still on their bed waiting for any good news. For most patients with sickle cell disease, moments like these are normal. 

Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder that makes blood cells sticky, hard and crescent-shaped. This shape often blocks blood flow and causes intense pain. For patients with sickle cell disease, regular blood transfusions are a necessity.

Individuals with sickle cell disease often need transfusions multiple times each month to maintain proper bodily function. It is crucial that donated blood matches the receiver’s blood type to prevent complications during transfusion.

That is why the Red Cross Club at Los Alamitos High School is hosting a blood drive on Friday, March 6, at LAHS in the old gym.  One donation can help those diagnosed with cancer, undergoing surgery or victims of a car crash.

“Donating blood saves lives, whether it helps a victim of a car accident or a patient battling cancer (…). It is especially important to donate now due to the nationwide blood shortage,” said Jessica Peng, the co-president of Red Cross Club at LAHS.

To donate, students must be at least 16 years old. Anyone aged 16 or 17 must have submitted a permission slip signed by a parent or guardian before donating. If students are 18 or older, they must still submit a permission slip, but do not need parental consent. All students must also sign up on the Red Cross website. Walk-ins are welcome for students older than 18 and staff.

“Students who choose to participate are directly improving the well-being of others and may be giving someone a second chance at life. Every donation truly makes a difference,” Peng said.

Donors will receive four volunteer hours, snacks and drinks, a $15 Amazon gift card and a free shirt after donating. While these things are great, the real gift is knowing that their donations will have a lasting impact on someone else’s life.

“It literally saved my life. If I hadn’t had that blood that day, I’m not sure what would’ve happened,” said Ashley Owusu, transfusion survivor, on the Red Cross website.