“The blood you donate gives someone another chance at life. One day that someone may be a close relative, a friend, a loved one – or even you.”

The American Red Cross’s statement holds truth. According to the organization, every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. That is about 36,000 units of red blood cells needed every day.

The issue is that only 10 percent of the population eligible for blood donations actually donate each year. This can prove challenging for the blood supply, especially during the winter months, when it runs low.

“The blood drive is a good way to help the community and make donations beyond money,” said Anita Pan, 11.

It is important that all who are able to donate do so. One pint can save as many as three lives. Students at the high school can donate blood with the annual blood drive, which will be happening on February 16 from 8:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Run by the senior members of the student council, the program allows students age sixteen and older to donate blood; those who are sixteen must have parental consent.

Donors must meet certain height and weight requirements. For instance, those who are five foot, three inches must weigh at least 124 pounds.

“We have 77 volunteers signed up to donate,” said Mrs. Callie Hoffman, senior class sponsor and organizer of the blood drive.

All the blood will be donated to the Hoxworth Blood Center at the University of Cincinnati, where it will be used to help tri-state patients. More than 13 percent of the center’s total yearly blood collections come from high school blood drives in the area.

“A little blood goes a long way. By donating blood, you are helping so many people who need it, people with families,” Pan said.