The Loretto Academy National Honor Society (NHS) had its semiannual Blood Drive on March 27, 2025 from 8:30 a.m to 3:30 p.m as part of their service to the community. 

Spring Blood Drive

With approximately 63 members as well as the officers President Sofia Landin, Vice President Miranda Alvardao, and Secretary Andrea Gomez they were able to recruit 200 people to donate blood. 

About 60 of those 200 were resistranted from giving blood due to complications and the eligibility criteria.

Andrea Gomez said less people signed up for the spring blood drive than the fall blood drive that was hosted on October 15, 2024.

She said “I think the reason for this was mainly due to it being directly after spring break and girls were busy or out of town and didn’t have time to get as many people to sign up as normal.”

The quota that the NHS wanted to exceed was 150 units of blood which was about 20 more from the last drive.

They had gotten about 100 units of blood this time and the NHS officers, members, and Vitalent were immensely grateful.

Vitalent Background

Vitalent is a non-profit healthcare organization that provides blood as well as blood products all across the United States. 

It has over 115 donation centers nationwide and provides blood and services for nearly 900 hospitals and patients. 

Donations and Commitment

More than half the blood collected was donated to the victims who were in desperate need of blood transfusion due to the Las Cruces, NM shooting on March 21 at Young Park

Next year NHS hopes to see even more individuals participating in this event which can help save lives.

NHS’s commitment strives to connect Loretto with our surrounding community.

With the continuation of blood drives in the future we can give back to the community and hope for the continued participation.

If you are looking to donate blood you can always visit your local blood center or check if a nearby hospital has a blood transfusion service.