On Nov. 11, Blue Valley will host a blood drive.

Anyone who is at least 16 years old, weighs 115 pounds or more and is in good health may participate with a parent or guardian’s permission.

Student council sponsor Mark Mosier said he thinks donating blood is a positive way to give back to the community.

“By this selfless act, people can save multiple other lives throughout their lives, which, to me, seems like a pretty easy way to help people,” he said. “For many students, this is the first time they are old enough to donate. We hope to continue to sustain the community, and [at BV] we can provide a safe, lower-stress environment.”

Senior Allison Gliesman said despite her experience with last year’s blood drive, she would still encourage people to donate.

“I was really excited to donate, and I was getting a little nervous because I have a fear of blood that I wanted to get over,” she said. “But when I went to get my finger pricked, I just lost it and passed out, which was scary because I’ve never passed out before. It was a pretty weird experience, but I think the anticipation was way worse than the actual donation would have been.”

Mosier said unless participants don’t follow the instructions given by the Community Blood Center, there isn’t much risk in donating.

“We have students who don’t eat breakfast then attempt to donate blood. We have students who don’t hydrate and then attempt to give blood. Those issues would happen for adults as well as students,” he said. “The good of what is generated — the outcome — is much greater than any personal sacrifice that people make.”