To provide blood to patients in need, Prosper’s Health Occupations Students of America organization is hosting a blood drive on Nov. 21 in Gym 2 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Participants need to make an appointment ahead of time, and they need to bring their photo ID with them to draw blood.
“The blood drive allows us to give back to our community, and it aids in saving lives of parents, kids, and family members of the people of Prosper,” sophomore HOSA member Maryam Alshawi said. “It also makes giving blood donations more efficient and gives students the opportunity to make a difference in our community.”
Eligible donors include students who are 16 years and older. However, 16 year olds must have their parent’s permission, which can be done by signing a permission slip form. Donors 17 year olds and older can do it of their own free will.
“People should donate blood because they’re able to,” said junior Emilie Perrin, HOSA president. “I mean, they’re able to save a ton of lives in a few short minutes. Also, you get to get out of class for it. And I’m sorry, but who does not want to do that?”
HOSA’s blood drive partners with Carter Blood Drive, the organization that draws the blood. During the process of drawing blood, a person’s whole blood can be taken or their plasma, red blood cells, and white blood cells individually.
“There are certain blood types that are really short and hard to find, so it’s really good to have a blood drive, especially with the diversity that we have at the high school,” HOSA sponsor Kelli Factor said. “It allows us to get a lot of different kinds of blood.”
One unit of blood can save three lives. Last year, HOSA’s blood drive collected 194 units – saving 338 lives.
“You know, I feel like that’s our purpose as servant leaders here at Prosper High School,” Factor said. “(Blood is) something that we have that is free, and we can give it as long as we’re healthy. We can give it freely and it, regenerates, so it’s not like it’s gone forever. So it’s something we can do that’s pretty easy to do.”
Factor said that HOSA’s blood drive is one of the biggest in the area, with Allen High School being their only competitor in terms of numbers. Because of this, HOSA tries to do two to three blood drives every year.
“I believe that it’s important since I have the ability to help others by donating blood and that you should do it,” junior Abby Dodson said. “You can help others who are in need of it.”
Seniors who donate blood at least two times during their senior year can receive a cord for graduation. If a senior can’t donate blood, someone else can donate in their name. However, they need to inform a Carter Blood Care employee about that when they arrive.
“The purpose of the blood drive is, again, to give back to the community for all it’s done for us,” said sophomore Yara Al Daggistany, HOSA member. “We get people 16 and older to donate blood in return for volunteer hours and also like a cord. It is just one way to give back to the community and show our passion for the healthcare field.”
Information about the blood drive as well the permission forms for 16 year olds can be found at the sign-up table located by the cafeteria during lunch two weeks prior to the event.
“You get to figure out really important things about your blood,” Perrin said. “So you get to figure out your blood type, and you get to go through all of your history. You really get to just get a whole analysis of what’s going on in your body. And I just feel like things like that are so cool.”
Before donating, Factor said that donators need to eat a good heavy meal within two hours of donating and drink plenty of water the day before and the day they donate.
“(I’m participating because) I think it’s really important to take initiative on this opportunity and to help others,” junior Keira Wright said. “You could be saving lives, and we’re healthy, so we just got to help others.”
