HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) is hosting its first ever blood drive Lecture Hall on February 20th. The proceeds will go to HOSA and The Blood Center of Central Texas. There are a few requirements to be a blood donor. You must:
- Be at least 17 years old;
- Weigh at least 115 pounds to donate whole blood;
- Weigh at least 110 pounds to donate platelets;
- Have good general health;
- Bring a photo ID;
- Eat breakfast and lunch, along with drinking plenty of water (stay away from caffeinated beverages).
The donation procedure includes what will happen the day of the blood drive:
- Checking in and interviewing- When you sign in at the front table, you will be asked to complete a short survey in order to confirm your medical and travel history.
- Receiving a mini-physical- This will make sure you are healthy enough to draw blood that day. This includes checking your temperature, blood pressure, pulse and a finger stick to check your red blood cell percentage or iron count.
- Blood Donation- One of BCCT’s phlebotomists will collect one unit (about a pint) of blood from you. The supplies used for your donation will be sterile, disposable and one-use-only.
- Juice and Cookies- (This is the best part!) After donating, you will be provided with cookies, crackers and a variety of non-caffeinated beverages to help your blood sugar remain at a safe level.
“HOSA is a club for students wishing to go into, or who would like to explore the medical field. This blood drive is an excellent way for the students, teachers and community to find out what HOSA is and other ways they can help us out, while saving two lives,” junior Danielle Prieto said.
The whole process takes 45 minutes to an hour, meaning students will be missing one of their four periods.
“HOSA provides opportunities for students interested in the medical field, for example, networking, camps, the blood drive and listening to different medical professionals speak,” health science tech Mrs. Dahl said.
