With more than 125 appointments originally scheduled for one day, this year's blood drive on March 4 and 5 was expanded into a two-day production to accommodate the large number of donors.
The blood drive will run from 9 a.m. through 2 p.m. in the multi-purpose room of FHS. Students need to be at least 17 years old to donate, although consent forms are available at the office for students under 18.
"There was such a large draw, we couldn't accommodate the number of people," said Debbie Chuey, the American Red Cross representative who coordinates the program. "By going to two days, we hope to give more students the opportunity to give blood."
Last year, of the 111 students who kept their appointments, 73 pints of blood were approved.
"This year's goal is 110 pints, 55 each day," said Chuey. "That means we need to schedule between 65 and 75 (students) to offset the deferral rate."
Other high schools around the valley have followed the example of Flathead, which started the program in 1995.
"This is the biggest blood drive they have," said senior Brian Brekke. "They get the most participation at Flathead High School. Because Flathead has been so involved in the blood drive, we have been a model for other schools like Whitefish and Bigfork."
Chuey encourages students to eat a good meal the night before the donation, drink extra fluids, and to stay away from caffeine. Each pint of blood can potentially save four lives, said Chuey.
Said Brekke: "This definitely saves a lot of lives and affects a lot of families."