Local Schools Wage a Good-Spirited Blood Feud

No Pasadena-area schools will be battling one another on a court or a playing field this season.

One place where they will be competing, however, is in a hospital room, and for good reason — participating in a Huntington Hospital blood drive challenge to earn funds for their respective schools.

“Since the COVID pandemic hit in March, we’ve done maybe two blood drives because, basically, people are studying and working from home,” said blood-drive recruiter Jackie Baca-Geary.

Thus the challenge.

A number of local schools are participating, including Pasadena, South Pasadena, La Canada, and La Salle high schools, and Mayfield Senior School.

The drive is currently in its second week, and the winning school will receive $150 for its associated student body. The event is not limited to students. Parents, teachers, staff, and alumni are encouraged to donate.

“Anybody can come and give,” said Baca-Geary. “Students can recruit their neighbors or family members to come on in.”

With few students on local campuses, the main blood donor center for the drive is at 800 S. Fairmont Ave., at Bellefontaine Street. The donor center is in the building’s lobby.

“It’s kind of a win-win,” says Baca-Geary, “since it keeps people from coming on campus. They’re fearful. We’re fearful. So this works out.”

The donor center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, Friday 7:30 a.m.to 2:30 p.m. during the challenge. Parking at the facility is validated.

Baca-Geary noted that 75 percent of local blood collected comes from drives on school campuses. For high school students, “It’s also a great introduction to learn about donating blood,” she said. “It’s a great time for you to find out what your blood type is.”

The donated blood is tested for several diseases — from West Nile Virus to Zika, Hepatitis, and HIV.

“It’s good for your health,” studies have shown that in men in particular, it can reduce the risk of heart disease and lower the risk of certain cancers,” said Baca-Geary.” So, it’s kind of a win-win, and it helps the hospital.

While walk-ins are welcome, appointments are preferred to help maintain social distance.

“Safe practices are our number one concern,” added Baca-Geary. “We want people to feel safe and that we’re honoring them. Everything is wiped down from pens to beds after each use. It’s a really safe environment. So we hope people feel that way.”

Blood Drive Challenge appointments can be made at (626) 397-5422.