The UCLA Blood drive is an essential community event organized by Torrance High School to support local hospitals and medical facilities with a critical need for blood donations. This event was held previously on October 30, 2024 and this year took place on February 12th. Many students decided to donate blood again this time. This event encourages students, faculty, and staff to donate blood, helping save lives in the surrounding communities. The UCLA blood drive also serves as a vital resource for ensuring that hospitals have the necessary resources and supplies to treat patients in need of blood transfusions, especially those undergoing surgeries or cancer treatments. The drive not only provides a valuable service to the healthcare system but also fosters community involvement with the students of Torrance High School.

Many students who decided to donate blood had similar experiences to Josh Spradlin, who said “It was actually a lot easier than I thought, a lot less painful because I had a bad experience when I was ten. This was way better than that. It feels good to help out a little bit.” One of the nurses Crystal Ventura said, “It was good I would say it’s always good to interact with the students and be able to answer any questions that they have and making sure that they are comfortable and to reassure them that the process is quick and make sure they are fine and to bring comfort that the whole process is smooth.” Another student, Edward DeGuzman, said that donating blood didn’t hurt as bad and “ all I felt was a tiny pinch when they put the needle in.” 

ASB once Again played a crucial role in setting up the drive as well as helping the nurses put everything away as the blood drive closed during 5th period. While students laid on the recline chairs while blood was drawn, they held stress balls covered in blue medical gloves to help blood flow through their veins in their arms. All of the ASB members from Torrance High School helped out with the blood drive as well, saying that there were 82 total pints of blood collected from students. These blood drives also benefit the donors because it reduces iron levels, which can help reduce the risk of cancer, improve blood flow, reduce arterial blockages, and boost circulation.