The Central Blood Bank will be coming to BPHS on Tuesday, Oct. 18, between Periods 1 through 7 in the South Gym.

Representatives from the Central Blood Bank came to talk to the students in their classrooms about the regular blood drive and how they can help contribute to saving peoples’ lives.

The blood donated is given to car accident survivors, burn victims, premature infants, and cancer patients, as well as to anyone who has suffered a significant amount of blood trauma.

Junior Alaina Cerro, who donated blood at last year’s blood drive, said, “I decided to give blood because I heard that each pint of blood can save up to three lives.”

In 2014, BPHS was recognized by the Pittsburgh Area Central Blood Bank as being one of their top 20 Donors for their continued support.

Students who are 17 years or older who haven’t already signed up and want to take place in this even can sign up by stopping in the main office to pick up a scheduled time slip and an informational paper. Students that are 16 can donate blood; however, they will need to turn in a parent consent form (can be found in the office) signed in ink by a parent or guardian.

“I decided that I wanted to donate a long time ago when I was a brand new teacher because I knew that blood was needed,” added teacher Mrs. Edmonds.

In order to be eligible to donate blood, the donor must weigh at least 110 pounds. If he or she is unsure about their exact weight, they will be sent up to the nurse’s office to be weighed.

Also, the Central Blood Bank recommends that the person donating blood needs to have a full dinner the night before and a nutritional breakfast before school in the morning. The more whole grains, vitamins, and iron, the better! Throughout the day, it is critical to keep hydrated not only leading up to the donation, but after as well.

“I did not have any complications. Just make sure your iron is high,” added Cerro.

Some foods that are high in iron include red meats, seafood, beans, vegetables, and dark, leafy greens.

It is prominent that he or she donating gets a good night sleep the night before in order for their body to be wide awake and ready to go. There will be bagels and cream cheese along with supplied water and orange juice at the donation; however, one should come prepared feeling healthy and energized.

If you are sick the day of the donation, go to the drive at your scheduled time and tell them that you are not feeling well because if you donate blood and are sick, the person who is receiving your donation can become very ill.

Those who are participating in the drive this year will receive a T-shirt and their name on the donation blood wall.

Senior Patrick Counihan said, “There’s some soreness afterwords but nothing besides that.”

“Listen, I would recommend to anybody that if you’re able to even consider it, do it. Because you never know down the line in your life whether you’re going to need blood or one of your relatives are going to need it. And if we don’t donate, and we’re healthy, then who will?,” added Mrs. Edmonds.

For more information about donating blood, click here.