Only 5% of eligible donors across the nation donate blood, but statistics show that at least 25% of us will need a blood donation at least once in our lifetime.
Human blood can not be made artificially, the only source available are donations from people. Nearly half of the national blood supplies are provided by the American Red Cross. 20% of that blood is collected at fixed Red Cross donor centers and the other 80% at mobile blood drives, set up at organizations, high schools or companies. One of these blood drives will take place on December 7th at Blaine High School.

Donating blood is a safe and easy procedure: In the first step, you have to register. You can do that at a table set up in the cafeteria. The HOSA (Health Occupation Student of America) members are willing to help you with any questions. Sign up for a time on December 7th and pick up a parents permission slip if you’re younger than 17.
To be eligible to donate blood, you have to weigh at least 110 pounds and you have to be healthy. To learn more about the eligibility requirements visit http://www.redcrossblood.org/donating-blood/eligibility-requirements or talk to a HOSA member.

Right before your donation, a Red Cross volunteer will talk to you about your health history and give you a mini-physical. After that, the actual donation takes places. The time the needle remains in your arm is about 8 to 10 minutes. During that time, you donate about one pint of blood. Katie Polensky (12) , a HOSA member, said “One pint of blood can rescue three peoples’ lives”.
After your donation, you should give yourself some time to rest, drink something and have a snack.

Donating blood is an easy way to help others and it gives you a great feeling. If you’re not able to participate in the blood drive this time, don’t worry: It takes place twice a year, so you’ll for sure have another opportunity.