Heartland Blood Center is hosting a blood drive at LZHS on October 17 during all class periods.
Participants must be 16 years of age with parent consent or older without consent. Past blood drives at LZHS collect about 75 units of blood. Other area high schools collect 200+ units of blood which provides more units of blood to save lives and prevent blood shortages according to Marie Pinetti, Donor recruiter.
The blood drive allows students and faculty to donate one pint of blood. The Blood is collected, transported, tested, and then stored. The Blood is used for blood transfusions and to help eliminate blood shortages.
Education about blood drives will inform student about giving blood, and encourages more blood donations according to Marie Pinetti. Blood donation can be done every 56 days. Donating blood can save up to three lives for each donor.
“I work for Life Source Blood Center, and used to host the blood drive at LZHS a couple years ago. I speak at high schools to inform students about the importance of donating blood, which ultimately results in higher numbers of donations, because students are more informed and want to participate,” Pinetti said.
To be eligible to donate blood, donors must weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good physical health. Eating and keeping hydrated is recommended prior and after donating, to prevent becoming ill, according to heartlands website.
The five steps of donating blood are: Registration, medical interview, short physical, and donation.
“I have donated twice before at LZHS and I make sure to have a good breakfast and stay hydrated during the day to prepare myself to donate,” Lauryn Schaal, senior, said.
The blood is used for cancer patients, bone marrow transplant, liver transplant, auto accidents, gunshot wounds, and cardiovascular surgery, according to heartlands website.
“I enjoy donating blood, and do it often because I know it helps save lives, and it feels good to know I am contributing,” Schaal said.
Every three seconds someone is in need of blood, and about three gallons of blood supports the entire nation’s blood needs for one minute. Donating blood is safe and effective and helps many people throughout the nation, according to Life Source’s website.