Lebanon Trail hosted its annual Spring Blood Drive on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. Volunteering at the spring blood drive gave me an insider perspective on how the blood drive runs, tips for anyone looking to volunteer in the future and certain benefits for HOSA members.
This semester, we had over 100 signups. We were able to collect 88 pints of blood, which has the potential to save 264 lives! In total, 35 donors were deferred.
Some people who signed up were unable to donate due to low iron levels, recent illnesses, or other medical conditions that disqualified them. Remember, in order to ensure a successful donation, it’s important to prepare in advance by increasing iron intake in the weeks leading up to the blood drive (if you have low iron), staying hydrated, and eating a well-balanced meal beforehand.
Despite the deferrals, the blood drive was a huge success! Participation was excellent, and the event ran smoothly thanks to the dedicated volunteers who played key roles in escorting donors, organizing check-ins, and monitoring buses and doors.
For HOSA members, volunteering at the blood drive provides a great opportunity to earn points towards their graduation cord. Since HOSA members need 100 points to receive their HOSA cord, and each volunteering shift earns them 5 points, participating in multiple shifts throughout high school can significantly contribute to this requirement.
Additionally, Carter Blood Care awards an automatic volunteering cord to those who commit their time to helping at the blood drives.
A huge shoutout to HOSA and Ms. Amanda Mosier for arranging such a successful blood drive! Their hard work and coordination made this event possible, allowing students to make a meaningful impact on the community.
For anyone interested in participating in future blood drives, whether as a donor or a volunteer, proper preparation and commitment are key to making a difference. We look forward to an even bigger and better turnout next year!