Hartselle High School was well on their way to their goal of more than 150 donated units during their annual blood drive with LifeSouth Thur., Feb. 5.

Diedrah English, AP biology and anatomy teacher and National Honor Society sponsor, said last year’s blood drive collected 141 units from 151 people willing to donate. She said 92 students had signed up to give blood this year.

English said they set a goal of collecting more blood each year.

“We try not to worry about the numbers since each year is different, but we hope to keep collecting more every year,” English said. “This time of the year, we have a lot of sickness, so our numbers usually are affected by how bad the flu season is. We have turned away a few potential donors who ended up having a fever.”

HHS offers some incentives for students and community members to donate.

“National Honor Society students get service hours for donating and extra hours for getting someone from the community to donate,” English said. “We also extended our hours of operation this year from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. Hopefully, more parents can have time to stop by to donate after work.”

English also said LifeSouth mentioned a new incentive for students. She said students who give four or more times from the age of 16 will receive a special cord to wear at graduation.

English started the blood drive 10-15 years ago, and it has grown from there.

“It started as a way for students to get service hours, but it was also just something that needed to be done,” English said. “It really benefits the community, and most of our donors are students. A lot of students donate here for the first time, and hopefully it will encourage them to give at other times.”

Zach Greeson relaxes while giving blood at the Hartselle High School LifeSouth blood drive in the HHS auxilary gym Thur., Feb. 6. | Joy Haynes

Seniors Sydney Sneed, left, and Stephanie Roman register to give blood at the Hartselle High School LifeSouth blood drive in the HHS auxilary gym Thur., Feb. 6. | Joy Haynes