One out of 3 people need donated blood at some point in their life, according to a statistic published by the Mercy Blood Donor Program.

As with years past members of StuCo hope to help the cause by partnering with Mercy Hospitals and hosting an annual blood drive.

However this year, rather than being held in the spring, StuCo has opted to move the blood drive to the fall seeking to gain donors.

“We moved the blood drive to September because we wanted to find a time that we thought would be more convenient for the people to donate,” Mr. Andrew Gensler, StuCo adviser, said. “Our donations have been down over the last couple of years.”

Not every student can donate. Students who are under 110 pounds, have low iron levels, or are sick on the day of donations cannot donate.

Even if a student meets these requirements depending on where they have traveled internationally that student may also not be eligible.

One student, Jamie Westermeyer, StuCo historian, lived in Germany so she is not eligible due to the travel restrictions.

“I am so sad that I can’t donate, so I am trying to get everyone I can to donate as much blood as they can,” Westermeyer said.   

StuCo has annually put on the blood drive for nearly 20 years because student leadership is consistent.

“Part of the goal of Student Council is to create the leaders of tomorrow, and you only become a leader if you practice your leadership skills,” Mr. Jim Schulz, StuCo adviser, said. “Sometimes you learn through your mistakes, and sometimes you learn through your successes.”

Members of StuCo, even if they are not executives, can be placed in a chair position to plan and carry out the events.

“Picking a chair gives students an opportunity to get involved, and branch out a little bit.” Adam Vorel, StuCo president, said. “While it gives executives a chance to teach other StuCo members.”

Staff support is also required for the blood drive, since donating students leave for an entire class.

“I think the staff does support the blood drive, not only indirectly by allowing students to participate but directly by donating themselves,” Mrs. Deborah Asher, head principal, said. “I see many of the adults in the building that will give blood that day.”

The blood drive further emphasizes the nature of our community when it comes to giving back.

“I just think it’s another way to give back to the community at large,” Mrs. Asher said. “I think everybody has, at some point, had someone in their lives who has been injured, ill, endured surgery or has benefited from getting blood.”

The blood drive will be held during the school day in Gym A, Sept. 16. 

Students who are signed up to donate should present their pass to their teacher before going to donate during their designated time. Visitors who wish to donate must sign in at the Welcome Center.

All donors must bring a valid ID that has their birth dates.