As featured in episode 12 of season two of PTTV, Tuesday, November 19 there is a blood drive in the Potosi High School cafeteria. The blood drive is sponsored by The Future Health Careers Club and facilitated by ImpactLife. Openings to give blood start at 1:30 P.M. and continue until 6:00 P.M.
Proceedings from this year’s blood drive go toward local scholarships for Potosi High School students. ImpactLife provides a LifeSavings Program in which schools apply to participate and host a drive. Schools are given a goal with an amount of donations to receive and if the goal is met, a grant of $250 is given to be used in any way. If the goal is surpassed, $1 will be added for each extra donation. In Potosi High School’s case, our goal is 29 units this year and the money will be put toward one or more scholarships to be given out at the end of the year.
Scholarships aren’t the only way to receive funds from participating in this drive. For each individual that participates, they receive a $20 gift card for their first donation and $10 for every time after, the opportunity to donate to local food banks, or bonus points for the ImpactLife online store. The online store sells items such as t-shirts, water bottles, and other accessories.
“Make sure you eat and drink lots of fluids so you stay hydrated and bring a photo ID with you,” said science teacher Mrs. Fulton. Eligibility for donating requires participants to be above 110 lbs for whole blood donations while double red cell donations have different requirements. Male students must be 5’11” or taller with a weight of 130 lbs. Female students must be 5’5” or taller and 150 lbs. Anybody over the age of 17 can donate as long as they meet the requirements and 16 year olds can with an additional parental consent form.
Appointments are preferred by facilitators and a sign up form can be found outside Mrs. Fulton’s door and online at BloodCenter.org. Walk-ins are accepted but are limited in availability. Sign up today to donate in order to help people in need and get some extra benefits too. Donating can assist local organizations such as Mercy, SSM Health, and St. Luke’s Hospital. Senior Sophie Drennen said, “Taking an hour to give blood can really help save lives and I’m thankful for that experience.”
