Currently, there is a global shortage of all blood types, with multiple hospitals struggling with an insufficient amount of blood.  This calls on multiple blood drives in various areas to meet the crisis need.  However, for St. Charles West, blood drives are an annual thing.  During the week of November 1-4, St. Charles West’s key club will be helping St. Charles West students sign up for the annual blood drive, hosted on November 11th, 2022, in the auxiliary gym on campus.  The blood drive will take place during 1st, 3rd, and 7th blocks, and additionally during AIP.  Sign ups will be during lunch during the week of November 1-4th.

When signing up, students that are 16 at the time of donation will receive a parental consent form (students 16 years of age MUST have parent permission prior to donating) and put their name on the sign up sheet.  Students 17-18 years of age will sign up immediately if they are interested in donating.

Before donating, students should get 8+ hours of sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and drink lots of water.  During donation, you will need to bring registration, you will be screened for your health history and Red Cross staff will perform a mini physical, and staff will ask questions during a confidential interview between the staff and person donating blood.  After donating, you must stay in the auxiliary gym for 15 minutes or more and have a drink and a snack.  Additionally, all donors will receive a $10 gift card to a retailer of their choice after donation.  Sponsor Mrs Weil commented on why people should donate blood.

“I want students to remember that one pint can save up to three lives,” says key club sponsor and English teacher Mrs. Weil.