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Manteca teens donate blood to help others
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ROP student Sergio Jacquez enjoys a relaxing moment after giving a pint at Friday’s blood drive held at Lindbergh Educational Center. - photo by VINCE REMBULAT
They’re heroes but in a roundabout way.

They’re the 50 or so adults and students who made a donation Friday to the Delta Blood Bank.

“We tell each that they’re saving one to three lives,” said Cheryl Kirwan, blood drive coordinator.

Those who gave are helping supply blood for 17 hospitals and medical centers in San Joaquin, Calaveras, Stanislaus, Tuolumne and parts of El Dorado counties. Dameron, Kaiser, Doctors, St. Joseph’s, and San Joaquin General are among the places benefiting from the blood drive held at the Lindbergh Educational Center.

Sierra High senior Morgan Rouse organized the event. It took her about two weeks to put the blood drive together.

“We had people sign up,” she said. “We also had our share of walk-ins.

“I’m really happy about the turnout.”

Donation included a pint of their blood to be used as plasma, platelets, or whole blood, according to Kirwan.

Sergio Jacquez, who is a student of the Manteca Unified Regional Occupational Program’s Health Careers class, had no trouble giving blood. For the Sierra High senior, it was his second time donating to the cause.

“I could live with a little discomfort knowing what I’m doing is for a good reason,” said Jacquez, who later admitted his dislike for needles.

Laura Medina was also a second-time blood donor.

She gave back in December and experienced no troubles from the aftereffects.

Kirwan indicated that it’s important for those donating blood to eat a hearty meal before hand and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Donors are required to be at least age 16 with an average weight of about 115 pounds.

After giving, they had time to relax before making their way to the canteen station for nourishment.

Another blood drive is planned for Friday, March 5, at Sierra High, Kirwan said.