Her heart is racing as the needle enters her skin and takes the blood from her vein. The liquid, more valuable than gold, fills the bag as the student spends a few more minutes away from class doing her part to save lives. 

The one pint of blood collected could impact three more. Three more moms who can still carpool their kids to school. Three more grandpas who can still take their grandkids fishing. Three more athletes who can still have their senior season with their best friends.  

The HOSA sponsored blood drive is scheduled for Nov 7. Students can sign up during lunches to give blood during the drive.

“I signed up early, and I am planning on eating a healthy meal before I give blood,” senior Jackson Leggett said. “My donation could save someone’s life and that is important to me.”

HOSA is a program for those students who want to pursue their ambitions of becoming a person in the medical or health department. The members will not be taking the blood, but they work the blood drive, run students to their classrooms and help monitor donors after their donation.

“Students need to make sure they drink a lot of water, eat a good breakfast and a good lunch,” senior Guadalupe Grimaldo said. “Also make sure they wear a shirt so the technicians can reach their veins. Also if you have a new piercing and tattoos, they have to be six weeks old.”

Students who donate twice will receive the cord of life. 

“When you give blood twice, you get a red cord to wear at graduation,” senior Brooks Ceasan said. “I know that is not the best reason to give, but it is a nice bonus.”

For adults who want to donate, no sign up is required.  They just need to come to the gym. Guest to the school, must check in at the front.

“Adults just need to come to the gym,” senior Jayce Shaw said. “They are first priority and will just skip to the front of the line.”

The requirements for the blood drive are the student must weigh over 130 pounds and be older than 17 years old.  This is the first time for senior Mazzy Heyer to donate. After having a live-saving survey as a sophomore, Heyer realizes the importance of blood donation. 

“I feel like it is important to give back to the community,” Heyer said. “There was blood there when I really needed it.”