On Nov. 21, Whitnall High School students will come together to donate blood through the American Red Cross Association in the school's gymnasium as part of an annual fall blood drive to save lives.

Height requirements are enforced to be able to donate blood at the annual blood drive. Males 5-foot or taller must weigh at least 110 pounds. However, female requirements are more specific for being able to donate blood. Females who are 4-10 must weigh at least 146 pounds; females that are 5-0 must be at least 138 pounds; females 5-5 must be at least 115 pounds; and females who are 5-6 or taller must be at least 110 pounds.

Students must be at least 16 years old age with parental consent in order to donate.

Before donating, Hemoglobin levels must be at minimal of 12.5 gm/dl. If levels are not high enough, it is possible the potential donor has Anemia.

So what are good reasons to donate? Here are a few:

• One out of three people will need blood once throughout their lives.
• Blood transfusions save lives of cardiac patients during surgery.
• By donating a pint of blood, you can save up to three lives.

“I feel good when I donate because my blood goes to people who need it,” Whitnall senior Bianca Wall said after donating previously.

Another Whitnall student Alex Gonzales said, “Donating makes me feel good about myself.”

If students did not sign up for the fall annual blood drive there is still another chance to sign up for the Whitnall High School Spring blood drive.