Francis Howell North is participating in the American Red Cross high school blood drive program on March 7 in the larger gym from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“The American Red Cross is always first to help when a disaster strikes or if there is a blood shortage,” health teacher Jenelle Louis-Bauer said. “It is awesome to think that Francis Howell North High School can assist in something like that.
The blood drive is put on by the American Red Cross because there is an increasing need for blood in the community. It also supports the lives of hospital patients in the area and across the nation. There will be 20 volunteers who will be assisting in the blood drive. Volunteer Knights is heading the blood drive with the assistance of Knights of Excellence. The leaders will be Bailey O’Neal, Sofia Quintana, and Megan Oostendorf.
“I decided to participate in the blood drive because it can help a lot of people and it’s a good cause.” senior Matt Denno said.
To be eligible to donate, students must be healthy, at least 17 years old (16 with signed Red Cross parental/guardian consent), weigh at least 110 lbs., and not have given blood in the past 56 days.
“I think the blood drive is a great cause,” senior Jimmy Higgins said. “Since it’s at school, a lot of people donate who normally wouldn’t donate.”