Arrow Archives
1996-2001

Man, That's
Weird
A column by
Jim Bennett

Flathead-High
FHS up close

Arrow Staff
2000-2001

Launch.com
Live music,
music videos, downloads & much more

Classmates.com
Find old friends from FHS

School District 5
Recent School Information

Yahoo.com Newspaper Listings
High school newspapers

The Missoulian
The Missoulian Internet Edition

TeenVoice
The electronic
voice of teens

Saving the world one drop at a time Studetns come through when the Blood Drive comes to FHS.

Alice Abbud - Arrow Staff

Senior Erik Oehrtman donates blood on March 21 to save lives and help the world.

   Saving a life is impressive enough. On March 20 and 21, FHS students could have potentially saved not one, but 393 lives.

   The results turned out a lot better than last year, surprising the blood drive's organizers.

   "I think initially we didn't have many people signed up," said senior student council Vice President Mark Ruby, "but we had a lot of latecomers and walk-ins."

   Not only were this year's numbers impressive for the school, but also statewide.

   "FHS has the largest blood draw for the western area of Montana," said Debbie Chuey, the Red Cross nurse in charge of recruitment. "We just want to the student body to know," said nurse Chuey, "how much we appreciate (them) participating and hosting the blood drive every year."

   Students were encouraged to donate by the student body's posters or just by the goodness of the cause itself.
"Giving blood is healthy for the body," said senior Kenny Beck, "and I know that there are many people that are in need."

   It was a first-time experience for 111 students who donated blood this year.

   "I was nervous," said senior Erik Oehrtman, "I don't get along with needles, but I sat back and let them do it."

   For others, giving blood has become part of their routine.

   "I'm type O, so that means everybody can accept it," said senior Kevin Thieson. "I've donated twice plus last year's blood drive."

   Some of the student council members helped in two ways.

   "It was an added bonus not to just give blood," said Ruby, "but to help put the event together."

   After the blood is drawn, it goes to Portland, Ore., to be tested.

   "If the tests are positive in any of the diseases the person is contacted immediately," said Chuey.

   "It's highly confidential, even Kalispell's staff won't know."

   Giving blood is extremely important. The American Red Cross says that while about everybody will need blood or a blood product in some point of their lives, only 5 percent of the population donates blood.

   "I thought giving blood was good," said junior Ian Baker, "because I like the idea of helping in a big way with such a small act."

   "It's not as bad as many people think," said David Palchak, "and if you go with a group of friends, it can be down right enjoyable."

   Added Oehrtman:
"How else can I spend 10 minutes of my life and save three lives?"