For some people, the idea of laying down in a bus, having a needle poked in their arm and watching their blood flow into a bag seems like a nightmare. While the act seems daunting, people still sign up in masses to donate to the cause.

During the blood drive hosted by Health Occupations students at Wenatchee High School May 5-6, twin siblings, juniors Allie and Cierra Wright, donated together.

“I’m really terrified of needles so it was a huge step for me,” Allie said. “But I’m healthy, so I didn’t second guess myself. Afterwards, I felt really light headed, and when I went home was walking down some steps and passed out which lead me to falling down the stairs. It was only like three steps, and I’m fine. I just think I should wait more before I donate again.”

WHS students and staff saved 183 lives and collected 61 pints of blood through the drive, which is 11 more lives than the drive held last fall.

More than 100 people volunteered to donate within the first two days of sign ups that began at the end of April.

“We were having to turn people away this time,” Health Occupations teacher Mitzi Southard said. “[The students running it] have done a fabulous job. They had to be highly organized to get all the schedules and all the different times.”

Southard said the students met their goal of 25 pints in just the first day of the drive. The Red Cross averages about three lives per pint.

“Kids here are super interested in community outreach,” Southard said. “We have massive lineups to be able to donate blood, and I’m very proud to be a part of something like that.”

A member from the Red Cross comes in before the blood drive begins to train and prepare the Health Occupations students on what donors need to know before they give blood. Students must know the height and weight requirements, understand the importance of iron and hydration, and what is expected of them when they get in the blood bus.

Senior Amy Veteto, senior Meghan Johnson, and junior Sydney Johnson were the main organizers for the drive.

Sydney said they had to keep track of all the times and dates that donors signed up for and help other Health Occupations students prepare for it.

“[Health Occupations] is really fun,” Sydney said. “There are so many different opportunities throughout the year that [Southard] lets us do. It’s a really good class to take; nursing is a big field and there are so many different things you could do [with it].”

Sydney said this is her first year in Health Occupations and she’s interested in going into the medical field after high school.

“[The blood drive is for] a good cause,” Johnson said. “It’s kind of hectic and busy, but it’s worth it.”

Listen to this report here.