The Spring Blood Drive will be March 6th, and sign-ups are taking place this week during all three lunches!

Why should you sign up?

6. You really don’t need all that blood.

Most people have 9 to 12 pints (about 5 liters) of blood in their bodies. Donors will lose only 1 pint, and should still be able to function after donating.

5. You’ll learn something.

Before donating you’ll receive a mini check-up on your hemoglobin levels and blood pressure. After you’ve donated you’ll find out what blood type you have, and you’ll be notified if your blood has tested positive for any infectious diseases such as HIV.

4. You get to miss class

…AND pick which class you’ll miss if you sign up on time. Donating takes a little over an hour, so expect to be gone for at least one class period.

3. Free snacks.

It’s important to eat and drink before and after donating blood, so the Red Cross generously provides snacks and drinks–and they’re actually really good.

2. You’ll get a sticker and flamboyant bandage

…so that everyone will know what a good person you are.

1. You’ll save at least 3 lives!

According to the Red Cross, someone in the United States needs a blood transfusion every two seconds. This blood can’t be made artificially, it can only be provided by generous donors like you!

…But there are a few reasons you shouldn’t sign up

1. You’re tiny, adventurous, or sick

Make sure that you meet the weight requirement before you sign up, and by all means do NOT lie about about your weight. In general, you must be over 110 lbs, but this varies with height. You can check your eligibility here.

There are also a lot of other things that could make you ineligible for donating blood. The most common incidences involve living in a foreign country, taking antibiotics, and having recent surgery. You can view a full list of eligibility criteria here.

2. You’re 15

Unfortunately, those of you who are still 15 years old are too young to donate. 16 year-olds can donate but must turn in a consent form before signing up.

3. You’re an athlete

After donating, you’ll have to wait about 12 hours before returning to exercise. For your own safety you shouldn’t donate if you have a big game or can’t miss practice on March 6th.