Bus issues threatened to shut down the blood drive at Marlboro High School this past Friday, but the American Red Cross and the Town of Marlboro worked together to make the blood drive a reality.

The Red Cross and Marlboro High School’s National Honor Society planned the blood drive months in advance. Since the high school doesn’t have a space big enough to host the equipment needed, the Red Cross bus was going to park outside and take in donors for the day. The bus broke down the morning of the blood drive, however, due to faulty brakes. The high school and the Red Cross scrambled to try to find a space in Marlboro that could host the blood drive on short notice, and the town court was the perfect spot.

“The town was so nice about letting us use their space,” Susan Sommer, the account manager for the Mid Hudson area, said.

Most of the donors who signed up were teenagers and, due to the relocation of the blood drive, weren’t allowed to leave school to attend. It was still a good turn out, according to Sommer, just not as large as they expected.

“The Red Cross texted and called me to let me know of the address change, which I thought was a nice personal touch,” Donor Joann Reed said.

Donors were able to make appointments in advance to get a time slot that was convenient for them, and they registered when they arrived for their appointment. Red Cross technicians then go into health history with the donors, and they perform a mini physical which includes taking blood pressure, pulse, temperature and checking iron levels. After the physical, donors go to the beds where the phlebotomists take their blood, and the pint bag fills up within three minutes.

“I got here at 8:50 a.m. and finished by 9:15 a.m. It was fast, easy and courteous,” Reed said.

After giving blood donors are offered snacks and drinks, including pretzels, water and apple juice. They were also giving out reusable water bottles with the Red Cross logo on them.

Blood donations go to patients who are in need of blood transfusions for varying reasons. Sommer, who has been with the Red Cross for five years, was an 8 pint recipient in college.

“I love working here, helping people, meeting new people, hearing amazing stories about donations,” Sommer said. “Some people tell me they’re doing it in honor of someone, and I hear stories from the people the blood is going to sometimes.”

The Red Cross’ next partnership is with the American Cancer Society. They’re working together on a campaign called “Give Blood to Give Time,” to help cancer patients in need of blood transfusions since they make up 1/4 of the blood supply, more than patients fighting any other disease.