Beaver Area High School is continuing its annual blood drive tradition with its second hosting of the Vitalant Blood Drive in the cafeteria this April.

According to their own website, Vitalant is “one of the nation’s largest nonprofit blood and biotherapies healthcare organizations,” and they are also the backing for Beaver Area’s blood drive this year.

April 1, (no foolin’) Beaver Area’s Student Council is organizing its second blood drive of the school year and their first in 2025. From 3 to 7 p.m., donors can choose to give whole blood or “power red” blood.

While a whole blood donation can still save the lives of up to three people, “power red” blood, as described by Vitalant, is a great choice if you are busy but want to maximize your donation: “Though each [power red] donation takes a bit longer to make, you are doubling your impact for patients compared to a whole blood donation.”

This impact is possible since power red blood collects a concentrated donation of red cells and returns the donor’s other blood components, like plasma and platelets. And as an added bonus, a smaller needle is used, and you may feel less fatigued after donation.

There are some additional requirements to meet for donating power red blood, however. Males should measure over 5 feet 1 inch and weigh over 130 pounds, while females should measure over 5 feet 5 inches and weigh over 150 pounds.

In total, power red donations usually take around an hour and a half, while whole blood donations last around an hour.

For whole blood donations, the actual donating process usually only lasts around 10 to 20 minutes, and the rest of your time is spent filling out forms and enjoying refreshments after you’re finished. Power red donation times take a little longer—closer to 40 to 45 minutes—according to Vitalant.

The student council is more than ready to host their second blood drive.

“We’re very excited to have the second drive. The first one earlier in the school year was a huge success and we’re excited to build on that in April,” said student council sponsor Mr. Dane Schlenke.

To sign up, simply find a flyer posted throughout the hallways or visit the Vitalant website. A copy of the Vitalant informational poster is also included in the above thumbnail; scan the QR code, go to vitalant.org and search with Account Code 100560222, or call 1-877-25VITAL.

In general, prospective donors must be at least 16 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and pass some general blood screening tests, along with being in good general health, before being eligible to donate.

Make sure to drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your donation, eat within two hours before your scheduled time, and bring a valid form of ID—just in case.

We hope to see you there!