According to the American Red Cross, every two seconds, someone is in need of blood. Donating blood is a quick and safe way to potentially save a life. Students took advantage of this chance to do good at the blood drive March 2 in the multipurpose Room.

Junior Austin McNeely gave blood for the first time in September.

“As I squeezed the ball and watched the blood flow out of my arm, I started to see dots, and I told the man next to me that I didn’t feel well,” McNeely said. “That’s the last thing I remember.”

McNeely blacked out for close to a minute. While passing out might be scary, it is quite common because of the sudden decrease in blood sugar.

“I woke up to water being poured on me,” McNeely said. “But I was fine, just a little shaken up.”

Despite passing out, McNeely realizes the importance of giving blood and would do it again.

“People need blood if they’re dying or sick, and that’s what the rest of us are here for,” McNeely said.

Senior Haley Raschke gave blood for the second time March 2.

“I was nervous both times, but [today] I just watched “Stranger Things” while I waited in line and it calmed me down,” Raschke said.

Raschke knows her nerves built up for nothing and that the small pinch she felt was worth it.

“It’s cool to know that you [might be] saving someone’s life,” Raschke said, “Plus, you get to miss class.”

Junior Reagan Dabbs gave blood for the first time during the blood drive.

“Everyone around me was throwing up and passing out, but I was just chillin’,” Dabbs said.

According to the American Red Cross, nearly seven million people donate blood each year.

“Giving blood is a small [way] to make a difference in the world,” Dabbs said.