Beta club sponsor Sidney Durham has partnered with the Kentucky Blood Center to host the semi-annual blood drive on the KBC Bloodmobile outside the gym from 8:30 to 2:30 pm on Wednesday, March 15th.

Those who wish to donate must be at least 16 years of age and need to bring a form of identification such as a driver’s license or passport. Additionally, those who are 16 will need a parent or guardian signature giving them permission to donate. Students who are ages 17-18 do not need a parent or guardian signature.

You can sign up for the blood drive in room 310 or in the cafeteria during all lunches. Donors will be taken until the day of the blood drive.

There are other requirements and tests that the Blood Center performs in order to determine eligibility.

“They’re going to test your blood for iron to make sure it’s high enough and you have to be a certain weight,” said beta club sponsor Ms. Sidney Durham, “and there are some disqualifying factors such as different types of travel.”

Many believe that donating blood is the right thing to do because you can help people who may not survive without a transfusion.

“It’s more than just your dollars, it’s more than just your time. You’re giving to people who are in need,” said English teacher Mr. Daniel Janbakhsh.

Senior Cassidy Kemplin’s mother was hit by a drunk driver in 2016. Blood donations directly impacted her family because Kemplin’s mother had to have three 10 hour surgeries for her injuries.

“Both of my parents have had multiple blood transfusions. My dad could have died without them and my mom was almost unable to walk,” said Kemplin. “Having blood available helped them and saved their lives.”