The annual East Grand Rapids High School Blood Drive took place on Feb. 28. Each year the school turn-out is remarkable and extremely significant to the West Michigan community.

In Michigan, donors must be 16 years old to donate blood. With more students growing older and eligible, there were many first-time donors. 

With eligible donors coming of age combined with individuals in the community who decided to donate blood for the first time, this year’s blood drive had a turnout of 44 first-time donors.

The turnout of people who showed up to donate blood as they committed was great this year, having 92 donors scheduled and 84 donors who registered and showed up the day of. 

The ability to save lives is a great opportunity for all people, and this year’s blood drive did not disappoint.

There were a total of 60 whole blood donations, 9 double red donations, and one RBC donation. This means that 79 successful units of blood were received. 

The community is thankful for the blood collected at this year’s drive. It is with pride that there were a total of 199 lives saved in our community because of the willingness and empathy of the individuals and families of East Grand Rapids High School.