Every two seconds, somebody in the United States requires a life-saving blood transfusion. To combat this ongoing need, Haverford High School’s Student Senate will hold its fall blood drive on Thursday, October 26, in the gymnasium. The American Red Cross will be partnering with the school to facilitate the blood donation process.   

Students can choose to donate during the first, second, or third block, and missing class to donate will be considered an excused absence as long as students sign up before the date of the blood drive. Students can sign up to donate during lunch.  

In order to be eligible for donation, students must meet certain criteria. They must be at least 16 years old and weigh a minimum of 110 lbs, with exact weight requirements depending on the person’s height and sex. In addition, students must be in good health. For students under 18, a consent form must be signed by a parent or guardian and submitted in order to donate blood.

Schedules will be emailed the morning of the blood drive. Students should go down to the gym at their assigned time, and they will meet with a Red Cross worker, who will walk them through the process and ensure their eligibility. You may need an ID to show proof of age. Eventually, students will see a phlebotomist, a professional trained to draw blood, and they will have their blood taken. It is recommended to get a good night’s sleep before the day of donation (at least eight hours) and to eat a healthy meal before donating. Remember to drink lots of water in the days surrounding the donation. This can help alleviate dizziness and lightheadedness after donating.

This year, the blood drive is especially important as the Red Cross declared a national blood shortage earlier in the year. Donating blood can have an important impact on many people. Lives are saved every day through blood transfusions, and your contribution can make a real impact.