There will be multiple blood drives this school year because a person can only donate blood every 56 days. Although there are only going to be three blood drives this year because of a late start, Hyatt’s goal is to have four blood drives next school year. 

     Due to students' extracurricular activities, Hyatt tries to schedule the blood drives around their schedules so it does not affect their performance. 

     “We try to schedule them around major sporting events because coaches don’t like students to donate blood while they’re playing sports because they may feel weak that day,” Hyatt said.

     There will be one pint of blood drawn by a phlebotomist, a technician who collects blood from patients and prepares samples for testing. 

     There is no cost in order for Hyatt and HOSA to host this blood drive.

     “All you have to do is call [The] Blood Connection and they’re so excited to have blood drives and so willing,” Hyatt said.

     There are protocols in place that are used to make sure each student's health is taken care of both during the process and after. 

     “Anyone who donates blood gets snacks and liquids; we want to help replenish the liquids that you’ve lost,” Hyatt said. 

     In order to donate blood, there are some requirements that each student has to pass.

     “You have to be at least 16 years of age if you’re 16 you have to have parental consent,” Hyatt said. “You also have to weigh a certain amount based on your height and then your iron level has to be appropriate.”

     Donors have to answer 40 to 45 questions and if they do not qualify based on their responses, they cannot donate. These questions consist of asking about any blood disorders. 

     The blood drive has been promoted by posters made by The Blood Connection and put around the school. 

     “I recommend students to donate blood because it could save someone’s life,” Hyatt said. “Every pint that is donated can save three to four lives.” 

 

  

 

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