Minarets CSF will be hosting Minarets' 10th annual blood drive through the Central California Blood Center on Nov. 18 in the gym from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Donating blood is extremely important to hospitals as blood transfusions are required for surgeries and other operations. Every two seconds, someone in the United States is in need of blood and one in seven people who enter a hospital will need it. Although each person can only donate one pint of blood, the average surgery or operation calls for twenty pints, making donation even more essential. By donating, students will be assisting hospitals and medical centers in their life saving procedures.
Typically, Minarets holds its annual blood drive in the Spring, but it hasn't happened since 2019 because of the COVID pandemic. To help address the blood shortages in the area, Minarets CSF voted to host two blood drives: one in the Fall and one in the Spring.
If students wish to participate in the drive, they will need parent/guardian consent, which can be found at the front office, as well as a photo ID (such as driver’s license or school ID). Before donating, it is essential to drink a large amount of water and eat a healthy, full meal.
Although the donation process only takes 15 minutes, it is the difference of life and death for a person in need of blood.