Skills USA to host blood drive

The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive in the Milton High School Gymnasium on March 29.

“To donate, you will have to preregister the Thursday and Friday before,” said Early Childhood Instructor and Skills USA Advisor Ms. Amanda Smith-Derck.

Students that are at least 16-years-old can donate with parent permission, and anyone over the age of 17 can donate, including staff. Students will need to bring their Student ID.

According to Ms. Smith-Derck, the blood drive will start at 9 a.m. and end at 2 p.m.; sign-ups will occur at lunch. There will height and weight restrictions posted by the sign-ups, she added.

According to Ms. Smith-Derck, masking will be a required for everyone in the gym for the entire time, even while donating. She added free COVID-19, antibody testing will be offered with donation.

Ms. Smith-Derck said the blood drive is being held by the American Red Cross and is sponsored by Skills USA. The blood donated will be tested, then sent to hospitals, she added.

This is the first blood drive since pre-COVID, according to Ms. Smith-Derck. She added that she is hopeful for donors because American Red Cross needs the donations.