New Zealand Blood Service (NZBS) will be holding a voluntary mobile blood drive at:
- Westlake Girls High School
- Events Centre
- Fri 13 March, 9am – 2pm.
Please note that this event is only open to students aged 16 or older, and it is not compulsory.
Westlake Girls does not organise this event. It is a New Zealand Blood Service event that is held in our Event Centre, reflecting our firm commitment to service at Westlake Girls. Donating blood is a simple act that can quite literally save lives. By experiencing the impact of giving back, students are inspired to carry this habit into their lives beyond Westlake, contributing in a meaningful, lasting way to their communities. However, we reiterate – this is a voluntary event.
Sensitivities around donating blood
To donate blood, each student must complete a health questionnaire and have a confidential interview with a nurse to determine their eligibility to give blood.
This may include some topics/circumstances that are sensitive to an individual and may include:
- Medications – e.g. acne, birth control, other conditions
- Drug use – e.g. marijuana, smoking, drinking or use of other substances
- Peer pressure, anxiety and fear of needles – unable to let peers know they are not comfortable donating.
If a student is deferred for any reason, which may be difficult for them to explain to their peers, the nurse will provide them with scenarios to help manage this, ensuring they do not feel excluded or embarrassed for not being able to donate.
No student will be singled out or reprimanded for not being able to donate. The NZ Blood Services’ criteria are in place to protect the safety of the blood supply and the health and well-being of its donors.
The right to donate
The Care of Children Act 2004 allows people 16 years and over to make their own decisions about whether they wish to give blood. Students may choose to donate blood at this session.
NZBS recommends that students discuss becoming a blood donor with their family. If families have a particular objection to the student donating blood, please notify the student and the organisers (New Zealand Blood Service).
We will be sending a newsletter home about this soon.
If you require any further information, please call 0800 GIVE BLOOD (0800 448 325)
or visit www.nzblood.co.nz