By Kristen Shepard

Staff Writer

Tomorrow in the small gym, something other than PE and Dance classes, will be taking place in the small gym. On Thursday 6, 2011 Carter BloodCare will be working with the Coppell High School to offer students the opportunity to give blood to people in need.

Each year Carter BloodCare works with schools around the area to offer blood drives to students, an opportunity they might not normally have. With help from the CHS National Honor Society, volunteers in partnership with Carter will take blood donations from students and teachers during the school day. 

But before you come, its important to understand that there are a few cautions that should be taken when giving blood.  Because the pint of blood you’re losing can affect your health and well being, it is not recommended that student-athletes give blood, as the lack of blood can directly influence performance on the field. Also, check with your parents and doctor before showing up. If you’re 16, you’ll need parent consent, but students ages 17 and older are cleared to donate. Other than age, you need to be reasonably healthy and weigh at least 110 pounds.

If for whatever reason this blood drive doesn’t work for you, another blood drive will occur through the city in several weeks. However, it isn’t recommended that a participant gives blood at both events. You should wait about eight weeks between donation periods to be safe.

This blood drive will be held on Tuesday October 18th at the Fire Station #3 off Parkway. As for the structure, public service personnel will be working from 8 to 3 in order to accommodate as many people as possible.

There’s no doubt that the blood will go to a good cause. Each pint sized sample can be donated to up to three people who are in need of the extra blood! These people oftentimes have been in an accident or have serious illnesses. You can save lives in the convenience of your school or community, what’s not to look in to?