Every fall, HOSA hosts a blood drive in cooperation with ImpactLife; an organization that provides blood to over 120 hospitals in four different states. The blood drive is a tradition stretching all the way back to the first year Liberty opened its doors. This event allows students to have their blood drawn and have that blood sent to hospitals in need of blood for blood transplants and other emergency needs. One persons donation could save up to three lives. On Tuesday, Oct. 8, the blood drive was hosted in the small gym.
America is unfortunately experiencing a blood shortage in hospitals. In July of this year, the American Red Cross’ blood supply dropped 25%, leading them to declare an emergency blood shortage. Blood drives like the one that was hosted at Liberty, are extremely important because of the shortage in blood.
According to Jennifer Strathman, PLTW teacher and HOSA adviser in charge of the blood drive shares how donating could help.
“We had 48 units of blood donated, which can save up to 144 lives,” Strathman said.
As these statistics show, just one person donating can save three lives. These add up to big numbers. Last year, 59 units were collected, which could save up to 177 lives. In 2022, Liberty achieved its highest record of donors at 106, which could amount to saving an incredible 318 lives.
Brandt Cleppe (12) was one of the donors at this blood drive this week.
“I really wanted to donate for the blood drive because I wanted to help people,” Cleppe said. “It feels cruel and selfish to not help those in need when I am able bodied and have the ability to help so many people.”
It’s clear to see, giving blood is no small thing. Just a couple people donating could save multiple families worth of people in need. It’s an easy task of the donors, their only sacrifice being their time. HOSA encourages anyone 16 years or older to donate their blood to save countless lives and to fill the shortage of blood storage that our country is facing.
