On Thursday, November 2, students can donate blood to Versiti Blood Center of Indiana at the annual high school blood drive. The blood drive will be from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Auditorium Lobby.
Senior Megan Siereveld, vice president of student government explained that donating blood is a quick and easy way to give back to the community. “It doesn’t cost anything and it helps a lot of people,” she said. “I think a lot of students give blood so that they can get service hours from National Honor Society, which is also definitely a plus.”
In order to give blood, students have to be at least 16 years old and meet the height and weight requirements. Students below the age of 18 should have a signed consent form from their parents allowing them to participate. “A lot of students complain about the consent form, but it’s super important for the process. As long as you grab the form before the day of the blood drive, it is very easy to fill out,” said Siereveld.
Blood is extremely important to health practices and it cannot be manufactured. Hospitals rely on blood drives to keep enough blood for patients. One blood donation can save up to three lives. Whether one is donating for extra service hours, to give back to the community or as support for a friend battling an illness, blood is always appreciated.
Students can sign up for the blood drive through the website below. They will need to pick a time slot on the website, bring their signed consent form to the Auditorium Lobby and bring their photo I.D. with them when it is their donation time.
“Less than five percent of those eligible to donate blood actually do,” said Siereveld. “Save a life and donate today.”
https://donate.indiana.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/162141
Story by Molly McCurdy