On Friday, November 12, the PLHS HOSA organization hosted their annual blood drive. Blood donations were crucial this year because of the national blood shortage. Members of the HOSA organization partnered with the American Red Cross to provide a blood donation opportunity to PLHS students right at our school. The blood drive took place in the North gym, allowing easy access to the blood drive for students.

Senior HOSA vice president, Mady Janousek, donated blood for the third time at this blood drive, so she was not new to this experience.

“I know a lot of people don’t like needles. I don’t like them either,” Janousek said. “But I’m doing a good thing, so I remain calm and try to enjoy the process.”

Working alongside senior HOSA president Ellie Beiser, who runs blood drives through the American Red Cross, Janousek was able to recognize the importance of donating blood. Through blood donations, a person is able to help and reach out to those in need in the community.

“There’s a lot of different reasons why people could use blood whether it’s a car accident, cancer, or people who have really low iron and will need transfusions,” Janousek said. 

The simple act of giving blood has the ability to save many lives.

“I feel like it’s my duty and responsibility to do what I can,” Janousek said.

Recent low blood donation rates make it all the more necessary for people to participate in blood drives.

“It’s important that if you can [donate], try and do it as often as you can,” Janousek said.

The HOSA blood drive was successful in helping the community. Donations from students and staff were able to collect 63 pints of blood, having the potential to save over 150 lives.