Amy Hess said, “I decided to donate blood because I thought it would be good to help people, save a life.” This year was also her first time donating blood.

The first step to donating is filling out a form. A nurse would then review your answers to make sure they are what the blood drive requires. Blood pressure is tested, your temperature is taken, and your iron level is acquired with a finger prick.

Once you have been given the “okay” you are brought to a medical bed, where a nurse preps you for the following minutes.

To recover, everyone was brought to the snack table to be fed and hydrated. Oreos, Nutter-Butters, Pretzels, Fanta, Water and Coke were some of the options for donators to regain their strength.

When asked how he was feeling, Andy Kinkelaar said, “Wonderful. I’m very thrilled that I saved a life.” Kinkelaar said it did not hurt.

Overall, Shawnee Mission West’s blood drive was exceedingly successful, even the few that unfortunately fainted. They fainted for a great cause.