On Saturday, March 11, HOSA will be partnering with The Blood Connection to host their second blood drive of the school year at Apex High School. Donors will receive credits that can be redeemed for prizes at The Blood Connection’s website. Students can also receive volunteer hours for donating or bringing another person to donate. Anyone who is at least sixteen years old is eligible to donate, and those who are seventeen or older do not need parental consent.

The two main options for blood donation are whole blood donation and apheresis donation. Apheresis donation uses a machine to remove a specific component of the blood (red or white blood cells, platelets, or plasma) while whole blood donors simply have their blood drawn as-is. The process of whole blood donation typically takes ten to fifteen minutes while apheresis donation can take thirty minutes to two hours. 

Donors should keep well hydrated and have something to eat after giving blood, in addition to following any instructions given to them by staff to ensure that the donation process will go smoothly. Snacks and beverages will be available at the donation site.

Donating blood gives high school students a unique opportunity to contribute directly to a cause that benefits people across the country. The blood supply always needs replenishing, and one donation can save as many as three lives.

The blood drive will run from 12 to 5 p.m. on Saturday. To reserve a time slot to donate blood, sign up here. HOSA members can also obtain volunteer hours by volunteering their time (sign up here).