Poplar Bluff High School Student Council members will hold a blood drive from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday.
Community members are encouraged to participate and will be moved to the front of the line, according to organizers.
“Red Cross is on donor appeal, meaning we’re in a shortage. We need all donors we can get,” said Eva Bedell, student council president. “We do a fall blood drive and a spring blood drive each year. Our goal for this fall drive is 200 donors.”
Community members are asked to report to the high school office, where staff will direct them to the auxiliary gym.
Less than 3% of the population will donate blood and in the last four years, there have been 80,000 fewer new blood donors, Bedell said. Every 2 seconds in America, someone needs blood and one donation can save up to three lives.
The Red Cross is currently on appeal, with an emergency need for blood. They have less than a two day supply.
“We will have many student council members, along with Red Cross workers, at the drive to help and accommodate anyone who is donating. We will also have food for before/after they donate,” Bedell said.
For whole blood donations, donations can be made every 56 days. Donors must be in good health and feeling well, at least 16 years of age in most states and weigh at least 110 pounds, according to the Red Cross. More on requirements can be found at www.redcrossblood.org.