Noah McLaughlin of Moultrie was giving a double donation for the first time Thursday. Each unit of blood could potentially save three lives if it’s divided into red blood cells, platelets and plasma.

MOULTRIE, Ga. — Colquitt County High School’s Health Occupation Students of America chapter held a blood drive Thursday at the school.

June Wood, adviser of the HOSA chapter, said they sponsor the drive twice a year. She said they appreciate everyone who has donated, but turnout was lower than it had been in the fall. She said she suspects an increase in illnesses — including the flu — might be to blame.