Someone new gets added daily to a blood donation list. Whether they have been in a car crash, contracted an illness, or are undergoing surgery, having the blood they need available is so important to help keep them alive and healthy. Blood drives are done all over America, all the time, to help hospitals replenish blood supplies to help patients . When you donate your blood, you help save many lives.
Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) hosted a blood drive in honor of Jeremy Clark, a district employee’s husband who currently passed away. All proceeds go to MD Anderson in his honor. For the entire day, the rubber gym was filled with HOSA students and instructor/supervisor Stephanie Baker, helping to calm students and take donations.
“I was able to talk to several donors about this process and help them in feeling confident and calm after their donation,” junior Joanna Abey said.
HOSA hosts at least one blood drive every year, and students are there to help everything run smoothly.
“This would be my second year working the blood drive,” senior Kaitlyn Bohanna said. “I worked it the year prior; it was very smooth and entertaining because you are not just helping out, but you are also meeting new faces you have never met before.”
Being involved in the blood drive helps students who want to pursue a medical career gain experience and become exposed to good humanity experiences.
“I’ve been part of a blood drive before, and it was a really rewarding experience,” senior Krishna Patel said. “It was inspiring to see so many people come together for a good cause, and I enjoyed helping with organizing, guiding donors, and making sure everything ran smoothly.”
Helping with the blood drive shows these medical students’ dedication to HOSA and their kindness, because they are willing to help people in need.
“It makes me feel fulfilled in being involved because I contributed to something that directly saves lives, and it gives me a sense of purpose in knowing that my efforts are for the good of my community,” Abey said.
The medical students and teachers were there to help calm down any nervous donors, because they understand that it can be scary to willingly give up your blood, especially for the first time.
“I have donated blood many times, and it is always easier than I expect,” Pharmacy Technician Certification instructor Stephanie Baker said. “There are sometimes nerves before you get stuck, but I have been fortunate that it has never been very painful. I always am so happy when I am able to participate.”
When you donate blood, the effects of your actions are immediate. One person donating blood can save up to three people.
“I think people should donate blood because it’s a simple act that can save lives,” Patel said. “One donation can help multiple patients in need, especially those going through surgeries, cancer treatments, or emergencies. It’s an easy way to make a powerful, life-changing difference.”
Blood drives are essential to providing aid to hospitals, so that while others donate their blood and make the medical professionals’ jobs easier, the hospitals can focus on saving lives.
“The Blood drive is used to get as many volunteers to donate their blood so that people who have lost a lot of blood and are in need are able to be provided with some,” Bohanna said.
The blood drive had a great turnout, due to a good setup and advertising by the HOSA team.
“The blood drive was a huge success, and we saved nearly 200 lives with the amount of donations we received,” Patel said. “HOSA, Klein Collins, and the Klein Family are extremely grateful to everyone who took the initiative to donate blood.”
By donating, you can save people’s lives, make medical professionals’ jobs easier, and feel proud for being a part of something bigger.
“Everyone should try!” Baker said. “It is really not that bad, and you can make a huge difference and save lives. It is amazing to be part of something bigger than yourself. And if you need even more incentive, you get a cool t-shirt, snacks, and a cord for graduation.”
