On Tuesday, November 19, students and staff gathered in the Blue Dungeon for the annual One Blood drive, sponsored by the HEAL Club. Open to individuals 16 and older without underlying conditions, the drive collected life-saving donations for the Miami community. Each pint of blood donated saves up to three lives.

Miami faces a persistent shortage of blood, and One Blood ensures donations are properly separated and distributed to local hospitals. These donations assist patients with cancer, sickle cell anemia, and others in need of transfusions.

Students like senior Gregorio Katz were eager to make a difference.

“My parents have always donated blood, so when I was given the chance, I thought it was the right thing to do,” Katz said. “Although I feel physically drained after donating, it feels good mentally knowing I helped someone—even without knowing them.”

Phlebotomist Christopher Kall praised the success of school-hosted drives.

“We collect more pints in schools than in the public,” Kall said. “If we have a good return, we’ll come back to schools every two months.”

After donating blood, students and staff treated themselves to a slice of pizza. 

“The fact that I get to save lives and get a free slice makes [donating blood] a win-win,”  Katz shared.