(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL) – Spinach should be on the Mustang menu March 13, the day of the school’s next blood drive.

Students can sign up at all lunches with the help of the blood drive committee. Students pick a time to be released from class to  the blood drive buses parked outside the gym.

Blood donors need a special pass to get out of class.  The passes will be delivered the day of the blood drive.

Students are encouraged to eat a big breakfast and lots of iron-rich food. Potential donors received a pamphlet listing important foods to eat with the amount of iron in them. Wheat grains and meat find a high amount of iron in an average portion.

Snacks and drinks are given to all participants as well as free drive blood t-shirts for volunteering and participating.

LRHS Blood Drive committee member senior Michelle Last said, “It’s such a great cause that only takes a little bit of your time and gets you out of class. You’re literally saving lives when you do it, especially if you have a rare blood type.”

Student with recent piercings or who take certain medications need to check with blood bank officials to confirm their donation status.

A photo ID and a parent permission slip are required for students under 18.  Any 17-year-old who has already donated once this year does not need a parent permission slip.  All 16-year-old donors must have parent permissions.