Trypanophobia is described as the fear of needles. However, students show that they are not included in the 10% of Americans who are affected by this phobia according to the Diagnostic and Statistic Manual.

SHS is one of the 128 high schools that support the Hoxworth Blood Donation program. According to Hoxworth Blood Center, we actually do make a difference because 13% of the total yearly blood collections come from high school blood drives.

It is a tradition that senior Student Council works together with Hoxworth to make the program successful.

“We basically do it because it is a great cause and I think it is something that most kids would not normally do but because it is offered through the school more kids are likely to do it,” said Ariana Speridakos, 12, Student Council member.

What students will do is that they will pick one of their seven bells during the day to go to the Gregory Center.

“Even though I am not of age to donate, I think it is a great cause,” said Jessica Hobart, 9.

In addition to being in good general health, donors must also be at least sixteen years of age. All 16 year-old donors must have a signed parent’s consent. This is not required for 17 year-olds.

“I think that every student should donate if they are eligible. It does not hurt us, and we are saving lives in the process,” said Deborah Wu, 12.

Not only does donating blood save lives, Hoxworth also offers scholarship and volunteer opportunities. More information on this can be found on their website at Hoxworth.org.