The National Honors Society (NHS) is holding a blood drive on October 28th in the Aux gym.
The NHS is holding the blood drive to raise awareness and support the critical need for blood.
This year, NHS Vice President Ryan Rosenthal (12) shifted the time back to start at 11 a.m. and run until 4:45 p.m. so that staff could donate blood after school.
“They’re more likely to give blood because they have probably done so in the past,” Rosenthal said. “Most students are likely rejected because they have a sports game that day, or they don’t know about previous conditions like low iron.”
Additionally, this year they will have the addition of a power red machine, which allows donors to donate a double unit donation of red blood cells. To donate power red males must be over 17 and be over 5´1 as well as at least 130 pounds, for females you must be at least 19 and over 5´3, as well as 110 lbs.
“Basically how it works is they take blood out of your arm and they run it through a machine. They take the red blood cells out and then put the rest back in your arm,” Rosenthal said.
Each student who chooses to donate will receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. Students must be 16 years old to donate whole blood, and 17 years old to donate without parent permission. Students also must weigh at least 110 lbs.
NHS has been holding an annual fall and spring blood drive for over 30 years. According to the Red Cross every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood or platelets.
“Every donation can save three lives, so everyone should donate,” Rosenthal said. “It’s not a very painful process at all. It’s very worth it, and you get 10 bucks if you donate.”
