On Tuesday, February 15, the School held a blood drive from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Parents, faculty members, and students aged 17 and older were encouraged to donate blood to the San Diego Blood Bank, which supplies hospitals across San Diego and Orange County. Appointments filled up quickly, but organizers recommended that interested people participate in a local drive happening in Del Mar on the same day. They also noted that hospitals are almost always accepting blood donations.

Lucille Proul (‘23) was one of the primary organizers of this event.

Her father, Eric Proul, was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia on October 7, 2021 and needs blood cell and platelet transfusions as he waits for a bone marrow transplant. “He started to have blurred vision because he was not getting his daily transfusions,” Lucille said. 

She went on to explain that, recently, there has been a steep decline in donor turn out and an increase in canceled donation appointments. “Hospitals in San Diego are facing the worst blood shortage they’ve seen in over a decade,” she said.

According to a School email sent by Director of Service Learning Ms. Jacqueline Gomez, he is incredibly grateful to blood donors for keeping him healthy. The one blood drive at Bishop’s, which was at full capacity for participation, will save 84 lives. “We are planning to make the blood drive happen at least twice a year at Bishops,” Lucille said, urging that it was not just her father that needed blood.

Lucille also noted that donating blood was not the only way to help out in this dire situation. “Those who are too young to donate can still help by educating the public,” she said, adding that a major reason for holding the Bishop’s blood drive was to spread awareness about the situation. “[Younger people] could spread the word to parents, relatives, and teachers about the importance of donating.”

One blood donation tends to take less than an hour but can save up to three peoples’ lives. If you are able, consider scheduling a donation appointment here.