One pint of blood saves three lives. HOSA saved 195 lives in seven hours.
The Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) organization strives to give opportunities to students interested in entering the medical field, such as participating in health science competitions and building connections with other members for future careers. To be in service of the community, they host fundraisers and events – including the blood drive that occurred two weeks ago.
“HOSA is so fun,” junior, HOSA president Emilie Perrin said. “It’s such a good community of people. You’re surrounded by like-minded people all the time, and you’re able to really just get a feel for what medical fields are gonna be like. Then with all the different competitions that they offer, you can really just see what you’re interested in and what you’re not interested in.”
There are six categories of competitions HOSA members can compete in, including health science events, health professions events, emergency preparedness events, leadership events, teamwork events, and recognition events.
“The competitions are really low stress,” Perrin said. “So, if you want to do a competition, and just have fun doing that, you literally just have to study for a little bit and then you’re normally good.”
HOSA is sponsored by Principles of Health Science, Human Body Systems, and Pharmacology teacher, Kelli Factor. This is her second year fulfilling this role by herself.
“I would say (I’m the) Wrangler,” Factor said. “It’s student run, but I do have to guide them as far as school rules. I’m a chaperone to the whole situation, but we have to make sure that we go through the proper channels to get things done and not bother Mr. Jones with something that doesn’t need to be bothered.”
To become a HOSA member, a student must be enrolled in at least one health science class. To begin one’s health science journey, freshmen are offered Principles of Health Science class their freshman year then Medical Terminology as a sophomore. This can then open up more medical classes for students to take when they become juniors and seniors.
“Both med-term and principles of health science have taught me so much about the medical field,” sophomore Kendall McLachlin said. “The medical world almost has its own language, and getting to learn more about all its complexities has been so fun. The knowledge I’ve gained is helpful for not only future studies, but also just everyday life.”
HOSA has 216 members with seven officers. To accommodate students, boat teams are created to assign members to a designated officer to talk to when they have questions.
“It helps me grow my leadership skills a lot,” Perrin. “I have to lead the meetings, and it’s a huge amount of people. And then we have to lead our boat teams, so it’s small groups within the big group. And then also, we’re going to start doing volunteer events, so you kind of have to be able to take control of a big group of people.”
HOSA hosts monthly meetings in the cafeteria. November’s meeting was a virtual one.
“The monthly HOSA meetings are crucial because they keep us informed and engaged with upcoming events and service projects,” sophomore Maryam Alshawi said. “I enjoy attending because it’s a chance to connect with like minded peers and contribute to meaningful causes. Each meeting is an opportunity to make a difference in our community.”
To contribute to their community, HOSA has many fundraisers such as blood drives and community outreach projects. Perrin said their current event is making boxes for memory care and senior living residents and they act as a gift box for all the residents that live in Settlers Ridge Care Center.
“I would say it’s a definite must to join HOSA, because not only is it going to help you get experience – especially if you want to go into the healthcare field – but it’s also an amazing organization where you, again, can give back to your community,” sophomore Yara Al Daggistany said. “And you can do what you love, you can join competitions, and it’s good for your college resume and all that.”
HOSA hopes to not only do a second blood drive, but a third one at the Race for the Cure event student council sponsors.
“One pint of blood can help save three different people in different ways, because they take different parts of the blood,” Factor said. “So, it’s really important that we do our part in that.”
