Today, October 7, South student Marisa Keele 21’ will be partnering with American Red Cross to hold a blood drive at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. The drive will occur from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and staff and students are encouraged to attend. Historically South hosts blood drives each year, however, due to coronavirus restrictions the drive cannot happen in the school building.
“I think blood drives are extremely important especially during this time because there are are so many people in need of blood. I work as a CNA [Certified Nurse Assistant] and some of my residents are those people, so knowing that I’m making a change somewhere for someone makes me so happy,” Keele said.
To give blood one must be in good health, at least 17 years old, or 16 with parental consent, and weigh at least 110 pounds. They cannot have donated blood in the last 56 days. There are more specific height and weight requirements as well for both men and women 18 years old or younger. These more specific weight requirements apply to female individuals 5’6” and under and male individuals 5’ and under. There are also specific parental consent forms and documents that are acceptable forms of proof of age. They can be found here. All other specific eligibility requirements can be found here.
To sign up for a blood drive individuals can email Marissa Keele at marissakeele@gmail.com or go to the American Red Cross website and search for donation sites that are holding drives.
“I appreciate all the support I have gotten and I will be holding lots of blood drives throughout the upcoming year,” said Keele.
For people who cannot donate today there will be plenty of other opportunities for South students and staff to donate blood throughout the school year.
