On Monday, September 8, 2008, Team 359 held our first quarterly blood drive in the Waialua High & Intermediate School’s gymnasium from 8:00 am–1:00 pm. High school students, administration, and even people from the community came to donate blood and save lives. When patients first arrived they signed in at the sign in table and received paper work to fill out, which included a questionnaire. Once they were finished the patients returned to the waiting to sit until they were called in to give blood. While waiting, patients were advised to drink warm water and eat snacks that were available at the refreshments table set up in the waiting area. After the patients were called, they were taken into a confidential area to get their testing done and participate in a confidential interview. From there, patients found out whether or not they were eligible to donate blood; some were denied due to low iron. Then those who were eligible were taken to the beds to lie down and give blood. After the process, patients had to remain lying down and relax in case they experienced some dizziness. Once rested, patients came back to the waiting area where they were required to eat snacks to restore their sugar levels and drink beverages. Before each patient left, the robotics team asked each of them if they would like to sign up for our next blood drive on December 19, 2008.

 

After the patients gave blood, we interviewed some of them and asked them questions pertaining to the blood drive. We asked Elizabeth Simmons, a teacher at Waialua High and Intermediate School, why she decided to donate blood. She replied, “I felt it was my duty and when a former student, Travis Deuz, serenaded me, I just couldn’t say no.” Michelle Sales, a counselor at WHIS, when asked the same question replied, “So I can save the people’s lives.” We also asked Ken Capes, another teacher at WHIS, if he had donated blood before. He responded, “Yes, I think it’s a very small sacrifice for possibly three lives saved.”
Students from Waialua High and Intermediate School also attended the blood drive and donated blood. One of them was a member of Team 359, senior Cody Smith. We asked if he had donated blood before and his response was, “Yes, I think it is worth it.” Another student who donated blood was former team member, and senior, Jakob Holland. He proudly stated, “Yup, third time. I think it’s a good thing to do, you save people. I’m not going to use all of it, it has to go somewhere.”