By Staff Writer: Kate Bauer

Howell High School’s National Honor Society is teaming up with the American Red Cross and hosting a blood drive on Monday, October 28 in the HHS auditorium lobby during the school day.

Students who are 16 and older can sign up to donate during all lunches starting Monday, October 14. There are a limited amount of spots, so be sure to schedule as soon as possible. Students who are under the age of 17 need to bring a permission form that is signed by a parent or guardian to the event in order to donate. Permission forms can be found at the sign up table during all lunches. All students must bring a photo I.D. to the blood drive to participate.

Donating is a safe and simple process. A sterile needle is used only once for each donor and then discarded. The process includes registration, medical history, a mini-physical, and donating. A Red Cross employee will check the temperature, blood pressure, pulse and hemoglobin of every donor to ensure it is safe to give blood. The actual blood donation takes around 10 to 12 minutes, and roughly one pint is taken. According to BloodCenter, one pint of blood can save up to three lives.

Students who plan on giving blood are encouraged to eat a good breakfast the morning of and consume plenty of water. Snacks, juice, and water will be provided both before and after students donate.

“I think it’s a good experience and a new thing to try,” says HHS senior and blood drive coordinator Makayla Millington. “It’s a good way to give back to the community.”