Every two seconds in the U.S., someone needs donated blood. Surgeries, cancer treatments, complications from childbirth—the list is desperately long, and there is a nationwide blood supply shortage. HOSA students at Ridgefield High School are doing their part to make blood donations easier by hosting a blood drive on Wednesday, May 31 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the auxiliary gym.
\r\nHOSA is a student organization for future health professionals. Student Cameron Jones, president of HOSA, explained, “This is HOSA’s fifth year as a club, and we have been doing at least one blood drive every year. Since COVID, there has been a blood shortage in Washington state and the U.S. in general. So we’re trying to do blood drives in winter and spring so people in Ridgefield can donate.”
\r\nThis is HOSA’s biggest blood drive yet, with 84 timeslots available for donors. HOSA has been working hard to build awareness, with student involvement across the entire school. Graphic Design classes created infographic and emotional appeal posters to drive signups. In addition, they designed directional posters for the day of the event, props for the photo booth, and thank you cards for donors. Photography classes will be onsite to document the day of the blood drive. And students are speaking with community businesses to get food donations for blood donors.
\r\n“There are age restrictions that limit blood donations for high schoolers,” Jones said, “so we want to find ways to pull as many people in as we can.” Blood donors need to be 18+ (16 and 17-year-olds can donate with parental permission) and must weigh at least 110 pounds.
\r\nDonating blood is incredibly rewarding; just one pint of blood—the amount of the average donation—can save up to three lives. Join the HOSA blood drive on May 31 to help others back to health. Get more information and sign up for a donation slot at bit.ly/3ohjgyd.
The following information was emailed to families and students in grades 10-12 on Monday, May 15:
On Wednesday, May 31 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Ridgefield High School’s HOSA Club is hosting their Spring Blood Donation Drive in partnership with Bloodworks NW. The need for donated blood is urgent, with some hospitals in Washington reporting only having one day’s supply available. But you can help! Students and members of the public are invited to come and donate in the auxiliary gym at Ridgefield High School.
\r\nTo donate, you must:\r\n
1. Be 18+ years of age (students 16 and older can donate with parental permission);
2. Weigh at least 110 pounds; and
3. Be in good health\r\n
\r\nIf you meet these requirements, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rhs-hosa-blood-works-nw-blood-drive-tickets-615303257607 and reserve your preferred donation timeslot by getting your free “ticket” to the blood drive. Please note that you should arrive at the RHS Auxiliary Gym at least 15 minutes before your appointment time and be prepared for your appointment to take about an hour to complete.
Thank you for your donation and interest in RHS’ Spring Blood Drive. Giving the gift of blood is giving the gift of life!\r\n
\r\nFAQs:
\r\nHow do register as a community member? (18+)
\r\nAs long as you meet the minimum requirements, you can claim the time slot that works best for you, by reserving your free ticket online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/r...
\r\nHow do I register as a student? (under 18)
\r\nIf you meet the health and weight requirements, grab a permission slip in Ms. Hemrich's room or download the form here. Once that is signed and turned back in to Mrs. Hemrich, you can pick the time slot that works best for you!
\r\nWhat do I do on the day of the blood drive?
\r\nCommunity Members: arrive at RHS at least fifteen minutes before your slotted time, and sign in with the front office. Then, come to the Auxiliary Gym! \r\nStudents: Once your permission slip has been signed and you’ve registered for the event, you will receive a note excusing you from your class fifteen minutes before your slotted time. Then, come to the AUX gym for check in!