HOSA and Impact Life will be working together again for this school year’s second blood drive on Feb. 8 in the small gym. This will be the second blood drive hosted by HOSA of this school year. 

Senior Jaden Zelidon, who is the president of Liberty’s HOSA club, encourages students to sign up to donate.

“There is a national blood shortage at the moment, and a lot of people need blood in order to survive,” Zelidon said. “Donating blood is a great way to be able to help people in our local community and around the world, and it isn’t very hard to do.” 

Signing up was available during lunches on Jan. 31 and in the club’s sponsor, Ms. Strathman’s room, during the passing period. It was encouraged for students to sign up with Impact Life as well by scanning the QR codes on the flyers you can find hanging up in the halls or in classrooms. 

HOSA president-elect, junior Amelia Huebbe, explains what goes into the planning of the event.

“We need to contact the company, form a committee, and have enough time for people to sign up,” Huebbe said.  

The club is looking for at least 100 sign-ups to combat the blood shortage. In a joint statement made by the American Hospital Association, American Medical Association and American Nurses Association released on Jan. 27, the group states their desperation for blood donations. They stated that if the shortage continues, “the severity and duration of this shortage could significantly jeopardize the ability of health care providers to meet the many urgent needs of our patients and communities.” The group also stated that, “We urge everyone who can to give blood. Donating blood is safe and easy to do.”

For those who plan on donating, it is recommended that you drink plenty of water the day before, get a good night’s sleep, and have a healthy breakfast the day of in order to make the donation process go smoothly.