Giving blood is not only a good way to help your school’s Blood Drive, it can save a life.

According to americasblood.org, “4.5 million Americans will a need blood transfusion each year.” and, “Someone needs blood every two seconds”. 

The annual Blood Drive will be held at Lafayette High School on  Friday, Jan. 25. Student Council (STUCO) is sponsoring the event and all donations will go to the Red Cross.

Amy White, STUCO sponsor, said STUCO members will be handing out snacks and drinks. Members will also be walking around and talking with those who are giving blood.

White said, “Mr. Choate has been the STUCO sponsor for the last 9 years and has sponsored a blood drive each year.”

Students must be 17 years old to be able to donate blood. Sixteen year olds can donate if a parent/guardian signs a permission form.

Some tips for donating blood include staying hydrated by making sure you drink plenty of water before you give blood and making sure your iron levels are healthy and balanced by eating iron-rich foods, such as: red meat, egg yolks, dark leafy greens, dried fruit and beans. Also make sure to wear something that is accessible so the sleeves can easily be pulled up.

Before someone can donate blood, there is a registration and a required screening. Each person must fill out a form asking their basic information-name, phone number, address, etc. – and have a form of identification with them. Then there is a screening, in which someone is asked about their health and eligibility.

Once someone is decided to be an eligible donor, they are ready to donate blood. First, a certified blood bank employee will clean your arm and will then inject a needle into a vein in order to draw the blood. One unit of blood will be drawn, which typically takes around 10 minutes.

After donating, the donor is welcome to rest for a while. Snacks and drinks will be provided.

The overall experience can be exhausting, physically, but the emotional benefits are gratifying. STUCO encourages its members to donate and asks them to encourage others to do so as well.

“It is a rewarding experience to know that my donation could potentially save the lives of three different people,” White concluded.