Central Valley Blood Center is hosting a Blood Drive Oct. 9 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the MPB. 

“As of Sep. 24, we have 75 slots available; currently 57 of those 75 slots are full,” said ROP Health and Medical Instructor, Mrs. Kayla Jimenez.

In order to participate, donors have to sign up in advance by scheduling an appointment through a QR code that can be found on school campus.

“It is important to donate blood because it helps the community and can save lives,” said Med Tech student and MedLife Club officer Elizabeth Terronez (12).

Donating blood is crucial, because blood can’t be manufactured. Participating in the blood drive is safe and easy.  The whole process only takes up to an hour and the actual donation only lasts for 8 to 10 minutes. After the actual donation, donors get a snack and a chance to rest before continuing on with their day. The blood center staff is there with the donors throughout the whole process to ensure that everything goes as it is supposed to. 

Jimenez emphasized how “just one pint of blood helps save three lives.”

In order to be eligible to donate blood students must be at least 16 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in generally good health. All students donating blood  must bring a Central California Blood Center Parent Consent Form consent form signed by a parent with them as well as a picture I.D. A consent form can be picked up from room 16. 

Before donating blood make sure to avoid caffeine, drink plenty of water and to eat a good meal preferably with iron rich foods. Make sure to get a good night’s sleep prior to the donation. Wear comfortable clothing with sleeves that are easy to roll up to allow your arteries to be easily accessible. 

Jimenez and Med Tech students help make the Blood Drive possible. Med Tech students help promote the Blood Drive by giving short presentations in class periods. Jimenez will be helping the Central Valley Blood Center by overseeing that everything will go as planned on the day of the blood drive.

Help save lives and sign up to donate blood before all the slots are full.