According to the American Red Cross, someone needs blood or platelets every two seconds in the United States. That’s why blood drives are so necessary: because they help hospitals keep up with the demand for blood.
At PLHS, the HOSA club is organizing a blood drive that will occur on Friday, March 4, in the North Gym. The goal is to have 75 pints donated, and club members have been working hard to meet that objective.

Joy Huang, a PLHS junior and HOSA member, has visited a few advisement classrooms to sign people up. She’s had trouble finding volunteers, however.

“It’s kind of awkward, because wherever I ask, there’s not a lot of people raising their hands,” Huang said.

A common reason students don’t want to sign up is a fear of needles or blood. HOSA co-president Mady Janousek had some advice for those who are nervous but still want to donate.

“I was absolutely terrified the first time I gave blood, so I know exactly how they’re feeling,” Janousek said. “I would just remind them that the phlebotomists or nurses that are taking their blood are absolutely amazing. They’re with you every step of the way, and if you feel uncomfortable at all, they’re going to be able to help you.”

Other issues can come up, though. Students who sign up can’t always donate, whether that’s due to forgetfulness on their part or a health condition.

“Some people don’t take it seriously, and just want to, like, leave the classroom,” sophomore Kidist Negus said. “Some people don’t turn in their parental consent forms until the day of. Some people sign up and don’t show up. And then there are things they can’t control, like sometimes they’re too short, too light, or they have an iron deficiency the day of.”

Despite the organizational challenges, HOSA members report feeling a certain satisfaction in knowing that they’re helping people.

“It’s very stressful in the three weeks leading up to it, making sure everything’s going okay, but in the end, when you see how many people come in and donate, all that effort is worth it,” Janousek said. “You don’t even think about the stressfulness of running them.”

Compassion for the people who need blood transfusions is a consistent motivator for HOSA members volunteering at the blood drive.

“Blood is very important to sustaining life, and I just really want to help people,” Negus said. “I know that I’m not going to be drawing the blood, but I kind of want to help in any way that I can.”

Not everyone helping out is old enough to donate, but as a senior, Janousek will be doing both. What drives her is the desire to help people.

“I think about the people who’ll be receiving the blood,” Janousek said. “It’s a part of me that I can give, and it’s gonna save a life, and all I can do is think about the people who really need it, and their family and friends who will benefit from them still being there.”