Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) partnered with MD Anderson to host a blood drive Oct. 15 in the Lego Gym where HOSA members could observe as students and staff donated blood.
According to HOSA sponsor Zakia Bell, the donations go straight to blood banks in the Houston area for patients in need.
“Donating a pint saves on average three lives,” Bell said. “The more that we can contribute to others that are not able to do for themselves allows for a better success rate of survival.”
The need for more donations comes as the American Red Cross declared a nationwide blood shortage this September, as reported by Community Impact.
The team from MD Anderson goes through a rigorous process to make sure potential donors qualify. Students must be at least 17 years old, weigh 110 lbs and have parent or guardian permission to participate.
On the day of the event, the phlebotomists comfort the donor during the procedure, safely store the blood and match the blood type to local patients.
“It was quite scary, but they were super nice,” senior and donor Lily Tran said. “I just thought it was for a good cause. People out there need it, and I have it.”
During donations, HOSA students make observations and ask questions to experts in the field. Other HOSA members walk donors to and from class or set up the event in the gym.
“I learned that a phlebotomist should have good bedside manner and patience when handling donors,” HOSA Secretary and sophomore Kayla Tracey said.
Tracey wants to be an anesthesiologist in the future, and the experience was invaluable.
Stay tuned for more blood drives later in the year through the morning announcements, HOSA’s Instagram page or by visiting MD Anderson’s official website.