On Wednesday, Sept. 29, Marjory Stoneman Douglas’ High School JROTC program hosted a blood drive to give back to trauma and infant hospitals. The blood drive, which was held on campus in the senior lot, was open to all of Parkland and Coral Springs. This year’s drive was open to the public because of the number of people who wanted to be included at the opportunity to help.

The blood drive was sponsored by OneBlood, a non-profit organization that hosts blood drives throughout Florida. TIn recent years, the OneBlood has made its way to Alabama and the Carolinas, but it mainly stays on the Northern and Southern coast of Florida. OneBlood’s main mission is to enhance the health and wellbeing of others through their work and people’s donations. As well as providing blood to hospitals in need, OneBlood gives back to JROTC by donating money back to their program. To donate blood, a person must be at least 16 years old and weigh 110 pounds or more.

“This is absolutely important to me, ever since I’ve been able to donate I have just because I enjoy giving back,” Lieutenant Colonel Mark Anders said.

MSD has been hosting blood drives since before 2002. This is important to many people that work with the organization and people who donated blood.

“Saving lives and being able to help is what convinced me to donate,” senior Sophie Etchevers said.

Many of the students, along with faculty, lined up at the buses to donate blood. With over 200 students signed up to give blood, the blood drive was deemed a success.

One pint of blood can save up to three lives because of the red blood cells, platelets and plasma located in the blood. Coordinator Joni Barret has been a part of OneBlood for 18 years and has always loved the medical field. Since she was little, Barret knew she wanted to help people and save lives.

“Coming together as a community is important because that’s how we provide what we need for the people in need,” Barret said.

Many communities reach out to OneBlood because they stand together to help friends, family and even strangers. This blood donation brought the Parkland and Coral Springs community together for a cause yet again to save lives.