The first blood drive at Kearsley this year  is Dec. 12.

The American Red Cross and the National Honor Society host two blood drives per year, one in December and another in April.

Senior Halle Hensley said  she enjoys giving blood because it helps many people.

Hensley said, “I feel it is a good, civic duty to give blood.”

This December will be the third time she gives blood at the blood drive.

At Kearsley, 45 students, on average, give blood during each drive.

In Michigan, donors must be 16 to give blood.

If under 18, a donor must have parent or guardian permission and meet specific guidelines of height and weight.

Students who wish to see if they are eligible can visit the Red Cross website.

A person must first register with the Red Cross before they can donate. Registration papers will be available during lunch.

After the blood is collected, the Red Cross takes it to one of their facilities where the red blood cells, plasma, and platelets are separated.

The Red Cross performs 12 tests on each bag of donated blood to establish blood type and check for diseases. The blood is then distributed to local hospitals for surgeries and for use in emergency rooms.

The Red Cross is always in need of blood because blood has a short shelf life.

Red blood can be stored for up to 42 days, while platelets can only be stored for five days.

Donors typically give one pint of blood, which can save up to three lives.