Blood bags, vials, and students will fill West Linn high school’s gym on Oct. 6. as Red Cross workers stay busy drawing blood. The Red Cross Blood Drive is coming to WLHS and providing students with the opportunity of saving up to three people’s lives.

WLHS’s Red Cross Club has been recruiting students to donate for almost three weeks. The club has 125 students on the donating list and 30 on the waiting list. Despite the donor list being filled, students may still sign up and will be put on the waitlist.

Students who wish to donate must be 17 or 16 with consent from their parents and must weigh 110 lbs. or more. Red Cross also asks that if you are sick or have been lately, to refrain from donating. For more requirements visit http://www.redcrossblood.org/donating-blood/eligibility-requirements

“This year we hope to get as many donors and make the blood donations process as quick and easy as possible,” Kaylene Lim, senior and vice president said. “We’ve also improved and organized our system this year, like our first aid training for members.”

All Red Cross members are required to go through a first-aid training to make sure they know how to handle every situation that could arise, such as fainting.

It is important to be aware of the possible risks that come with donating, according to Red Cross. Some students may experience dizziness, headaches, lightheadedness, stomach aches and fatigue. As a result there is the possibility of fainting and/or throwing up after or during the donation. To help avoid these symptoms it is recommended to have a good night’s sleep the night before and to eat a healthy meal before donating.

“If you are unsure about wanting to donate, don’t be afraid to ask one of our club members for the pros and cons,” Lim said.

After the donation, sandwiches, snacks and drinks are provided to students. If your blood is usable (to see what makes blood useable visit http://www.redcrossblood.org/learn-about-blood/what-happens-donated-blood) then it will be used for transfusions for anything from car accident victims to cancer patients to people with blood disorders.

If you meet the requirements and are thinking about donating talk with any of the Red Cross Club members.

“We just ask that teachers be patient, students will be coming and going all day and it’ll become a little hectic,” Anna-Maria Hartner, senior and club president said.