The annual blood drive, sponsored by Club Med, takes place on Mar. 1. Sacred Hearts Academy has contributed many pints of blood to the Blood Bank of Hawaii since 1995.

Students who are healthy, weigh at least 110 pounds and have not had piercings or tattoos within the last year are encouraged to donate if they are at least 18 years of age or 17 with parental consent.

Club Med Adviser Elizabeth Sutter said, “Each year I aim to get 100 people to donate blood because about one third are ineligible. Last year, the academy donated approximately 65 pints.”

Nearly 60 percent of the population will eventually need blood at some point in life, but only 2 percent of Hawaii’s population gives blood.

Before giving blood, donors need to be well hydrated, well rested and eat a meal that includes foods rich in iron.

Donors will be required to bring a photo ID with date of birth. Staff from the Blood Bank of Hawaii will do a short physical check up and review the donor’s medical history to ensure that there are no problems.

“Before the actual donation, the donor will be asked several questions to make sure that they are healthy and do not carry diseases. They would then prick your finger and conduct a mini physical checkup,” said Sutter.

According to the Blood Bank of Hawaii, the entire blood donation process will take about an hour, but the actual blood collection only takes 5 to 8 minutes.

Every year, the Academy needs 100 people to contribute to the Blood Bank. The blood collected from Sacred Hearts Academy makes up approximately one quarter of the entire supply of blood that the Blood Bank of Hawaii collects within a day, with each pint of blood saving up to three lives.

“If people start donating blood at a young age and are successful, they can often continue to donate when they are adults,” said Sutter. “My daughter first donated blood at a school blood drive and she still continues to do it.”

Students will receive extra credit if they donate or find others to give in their name. Those who are interested should contact club adviser, Elizabeth Sutter, for forms and more information.