More than 55 whole blood units were collected at this year’s Venture Academy HOSA Blood Drive.
Delta Blood Bank and Venture Academy’s Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) teamed up for the annual blood drive hosted at the Venture Academy Family of Schools, San Joaquin County Office of Education on Sept. 22.
Ann Leale, Blood Drive Coordinator for Delta Blood Bank said the goal for this year’s Venture Academy HOSA drive was 57 units of whole blood. A unit is just under a pint, said Leale.
“The whole blood donated today will go to our blood patients,” Leale said.
The Delta Blood Bank serves 15 local hospitals in and around San Joaquin County. In recent years the Delta Blood Bank became a subsidiary of the American Red Cross and also fulfills the American Red Cross obligations of blood and blood products, according to Leale.
HOSA students, Alissa Anderson, Enrique Hernandez, Sandra Lomeli, Jasleen Ball and several others spent their morning escorting donators to the canteen area. The canteen area offered donators drinks and food after their donation.
Those who donate are required to have a 15-20 minute rest period, Leale said. During the rest period, donators are observed for any reactions they may experience after donating.
Jennifer Hernandez, a senior at Foundations Academy of Venture Academy Family of Schools, said that she donates blood because it makes her feel like she helped someone in need.
This year there were more than 65 people who signed up to donate blood for the drive.
HOSA is a professional organization for students who are interested in careers in any aspect of healthcare. The Venture Academy HOSA chapter has 40 members, and sponsors the blood drive annually. The chapter has been active on the campus for five years and has been named an Outstanding HOSA Chapter in California for the last four years.