National Honor Society will be hosting the annual blood drive on Wednesday, Nov. 4, with the American Red Cross located in the gym. The time to donate blood will be from 12 to 6 pm. NHS helps gather people to help with the blood drive. When you’re giving blood, it helps to have someone to talk to calm your nerves.

“I enjoy being part of NHS and being able to help with the blood drive,” senior Katie Zoglmann said. “It makes me feel good that I am helping people even with my little part of helping people donate.”  

Donating blood is very important, but being in good health before donating blood matters the most, according to the Red Cross’s website. To donate, students must be 16 years old with a parent consent form or 17 without consent. They must weigh at least 110 pounds to be eligible to give blood.

“I think giving blood is important because it is needed for many reasons,” junior Dawson Tarrant said. “This will be the first time I have donated blood because I was too young last year.”

According to the American Red Cross, if you’re donating, make sure to drink plenty of fluids the day of donation. Having a healthy meal before donating will create more strength in your body. Maintaining a healthy iron level in your diet will also help greatly. Donating for the first time requires your ID, but if not remember to bring your donor card.

“I’m actually very nervous to donate because it is my first time,” junior Miranda Huff said. “Hopefully everything will go smoothly.”

To sign up to donate, make sure to visit counselor Louise Ronnau. Appointment times will be scheduled on a first-come, first-serve basis.