On Jan. 20, MHS held one of the two blood drives hosted at the school each year.  These events not only encourage students to donate blood, but they also start the conversation about the importance of donating blood.

“We do blood drives here at MHS to give back to the community. We feel that giving students the opportunity to learn through service to the community is an important part of the experience at MHS,” said Alison Finn, wellness department chair.

According to LifeSource representative, Cindy Kramer, the Gurnee LifeSource location tries to get about 20 to 40 donations for each day they are open.

Des Plaines resident Joe Leisten, a regular donor, knows firsthand how important donating is, for his mother received two blood transfusions per week for the last 14 months of her life.

“Do it for my mom. Do it for your mom. Do it for the mom you’ll never meet that just wants a little more time with her family,” said Leisten.

The entire process of donating –including the waiting period after donating and the questioning–takes approximately one hour. However, the drawing of blood takes about 10 minutes.

In the state of Illinois, anyone who is over 17 years old, or 16 with parental consent, and weighs at least 110 pounds can donate.

“The experience of donating is something I genuinely look forward to. Sure, I get nervous, but knowing that I can change someone’s life is really cool. The free gym makeup and snacks they give us at the end is also a major plus,” said Jessica Peterson, junior, about donating at MHS.

If a student missed the chance to donate at MHS, or if a student feels inclined to make another donation, appointments can be made through the Gurnee LifeSource on Grand Ave.

The demand for donated blood doesn’t have a summer break, so students can donate at the LifeSource location during this time as well.

To make an appointment, call (877) 543-3768 or visit them online.