Since at least 1982, North has hosted an annual blood drive. Student of the age 16 and up can be a part of this event. It only takes 30 minutes of your time to save someones life, just by donating blood.

Junior, Isaiah Newsome of North High School, has battled sickle cell anemia since he was three. Every two months, he has a procedure, called an infusion(a transfer of blood from a donor to a recipient to replace blood), to give strength to his bones. When he receives a transfusion, he is very weak and it is often very painful for him.

According to The Blood Center of Iowa, “Every week in central Iowa, 2,000 units of blood are needed. Every two seconds, someone needs blood. More than 35% of Americans are eligible to donate blood, but less than 10% actually do. Those seem like some dismal statistics.”

Each year, North has recruited more and more volunteers to donate blood. Blood is a lifesaver for patients like Isaiah. In his case, bloodhelps heal his pain.

By being a part of this event, you give patients in need, another day to smile. Blood is a vital source and by contributing to the annual blood drive you save lives. North plans on continuing their annual blood drive, and as students continue to donate blood, former classmates like Isaiah, are given another reason to smile.