American Red Cross ~ Steele County Chapter

Owatonna High School Blood Drive

The blood drive is came to the High School this school year on February 8. It only comes here
once a year and it's a big chance for students to donate their blood to the Red Cross and possibly save lives. The Bloodmobile came to the gym because it's easier to donate blood that way.' "It's very important for kids to stay healthy and drink water and eat before you donate," says Christa Wille. Christa is a chair person along with Matt Kotek, Jordan Beyer and Paige Armstrong. To sign up, students can talk to any of these members. To donate there are some requirements. Juniors and Seniors are able to donate as long as they are 17 or older, and weight over 110 Ibs.
These requirements were put into place to keep kids from getting woozy and passing out possibly in the process. Students also need to have an increased iron level. Donating blood is very important because "there is a shortage of blood and it saves lives," said Wille. A student will donate about 1pint of blood that's sent to the red cross. "It's not scary," said Wille. "You're surrounded by kids who are supporting it and are doing it." Mr. Kath, one of the teachers at Owatonna High School, says, "We get involved with this activity every year as a community service to the people of Owatonna and greater Minnesota where the blood goes. We also look at it as an opportunity to show students how important it is to give blood to help others." Kath also states, "We know that if we can get them to give blood in high school, their odds of giving blood in the future is far greater." Pictures Of Last Years Blood Drive