This week, students and faculty at Sacred Hearts Academy helped save three lives by donating a pint of blood to the Blood Bank of Hawaii.

This was part of the school’s annual blood drive, which is coordinated by the science department. According to the Blood Bank, one pint of blood can save up to three people in need of blood transfusions.

This year, with parental or guardian consent, 16-year-old students were able to donate. In the past, only students as young as 17 years old were allowed to donate with their parents’ or guardians’ consent.

Due to the policy change, Academy junior Megan Mattison believes there were more donors than usual.

“I know a lot of my friends, who are 16 years old, (will be donating),” she said.

Prior to the drive, the Blood Bank presented to high school students on the process of giving blood and how to prepare. This included what donors should and should not eat on the morning of the drive. Donors must also weigh at least 110 lbs. and have a photo identification with a birth date.

Mattison had never donated blood before but looked forward to helping save lives.

“I’m excited because I know that my blood is going to help people in need,” Mattison said.

The actual donating time takes about 45 minutes to one hour. During this time, the donor receives a physical examination, to make sure he or she is in good health. The process of drawing blood takes about five to seven minutes.

For more information on the Blood Bank of Hawaii, visit bbh.org.