The West  Student Council hosted the first (of two) blood drives on Wednesday, January 7th, 2009. Student Council members volunteer their time by being registration officials, being escorts who walk the blood donors from their classrooms to the library, and being  canteen workers . They also help set up and take down all the equipment. There were  40 pints of blood donated during the event. The second blood drive will be held on Monday, March 16 in the library from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Each person can give a pint. Staff and students along with some members of the community were invited to donate. It takes approximately 40 - 60 minutes. Donors are screened and interviewed before donating. The actual blood donation takes about 15 - 20 minutes. A fter donating, the donors visit the canteen area where the they are given juice and something to eat . They must remain there until they have eaten and feel well enough to leave.

For the most part, donors must be at least 16 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds.  All 16-year-olds and some 17-year-olds must have parent or guardian permission to donate. There are many restrictions to giving blood. No tattoos in the last year, medications, sickness, traveling outside the US, etc.