The Community Blood Center is coming to De Soto High School on May 5 for the annual Blood Drive. Hosted by Student Council, the drive will be open to students and faculty 16 years old and older.

Junior Mackenzie Smith has very strong feelings in favor of donating blood.

“In my personal experience, my dad received blood transfusions every week when he was battling cancer,” Smith said. “Ever since he passed and I was able to donate blood, I felt it was a really important thing to do.”

The blood drive has been around DHS for several years, according to Student Council Sponsor and English teacher Lori Hughes.

“I have been the Sponsor for the Student Council for five years,” Hughes said. “Before I came to DHS, Mrs. Perry [the Spanish teacher] coordinated the event.”

Although some say the event is quick and painless, for first time donators like sophomore Kelly Henning, the thought of donating blood is a foreign and scary.

“I’ve always wanted to donate blood,  and since I turned 16 this year I am able to finally try,” Henning said. “I’m kind of nervous because I’ve heard stories of some people passing out during the donation, but I have always wanted to do it, and people need it.”

The blood drive is open to all blood types. It sends the blood out all over the country for the benefit of sick patients in need of blood transfusions.

“When I thought about giving blood for the first time, I thought it would be painful and I wouldn’t like it,” Smith said. “I was scared because I heard a lot of stories about bad things happening. Once the process started, it wasn’t bad at all. I was able to check my phone and hang out.” “It’s a good thing to have the blood drive for those who are injured, sick or in need of surgeries,” Hughes said.

“It really wasn’t a big deal like people make it out to be,” Smith said. “I reccommend donating blood because it really does go a long way.”

You can sign up for the blood drive at DHS or any other location online at www.savealifenow.org.