Students will have the ability to save lives by donating blood at Coeur d’ Alene High School’s annual blood drive Jan. 14-15.  Kendra Winnick, senior, is in charge of this year’s drive.

     “Our goal this year is to get 400-450 units (bags) of blood which would give us 100 more units than last year,” Winnick said.

     In order for a student to give blood they must be at least 16 years old, weigh over 120 lbs, and have not gotten a tattoo or piercing in the last six months.  The rules for piercings vary so a student should try and give blood even if they have been pierced within the last six months however students must answer questions honestly. 

    According to Winnick many students do not like to give blood because they either hate needles or do not like the sight of blood, however the pros far outweigh the cons of giving blood,

     “People should give blood because one unit saves up to three lives. The Inland Northwest Blood Center supplies 31 hospitals and it takes 150 units a day to save all the people’s lives,” Winnick said.    

     DECA is looking for any donations or businesses that would like to help sponsor the blood drive. Contact Kendra Winnick or any DECA member for more details.