On Friday, December 10, 2021, the Blood Center of Wisconsin will be hosting a blood donation station for Arrowhead students and staff. The blood drive will be held in the north campus, west gym from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM. Sign up sheets will be in the cafeteria for both lunches at North. Masks will be required.

One pint of blood will be donated from each participant and transported to Blood Center of Wisconsin. 

“Blood Center of Wisconsin donations go to our local hospitals. Red Cross goes to national hospitals and blood banks. I’m a big advocate for using the Blood Center of Wisconsin,” says Katie Thompson, Arrowhead’s school nurse. 

Blood Center of Wisconsin is based in Milwaukee and was founded in 1947. It is known as, “the exclusive provider of blood and blood products to more than 56 hospitals in 29 counties, and provides 230,000+ units of blood annually,” according to Versiti, the company that branches out into the smaller state blood centers. 

The blood donated will mostly impact those suffering from, “cancer, blood disorders, trauma, burn patients and anyone with chronic diseases who are in the hospital,” says Thompson. 

On average, each donor will spend ten minutes having their blood drawn. Sometimes, participants will be allowed to stay for 45 minutes to fully recover. 

Catherine Kescenovitz, an Arrowhead senior and EMT in training says, “Physically I usually feel a little bit dizzy and kind of tired, but once I get something to eat I feel a lot better.” 

As of December 2, 2021, there were 131 open time slots left for those wanting to participate. 

“Giving blood is a really good feeling mentally because you know you’re making a difference and possibly saving someone’s life,” Kescenovitz says. 

Students can see the time slots here.