For first-timers and repeaters, this event was an exciting experience during this holiday season.

HOSA hosted a blood drive on Dec. 8 to collect blood donations from willing and eligible students. However, with the various requirements set for blood donors, some fear of needles and athletic activities, the blood drive was not as much of a success as it could have been for a school the size of Wando.

Greg Sellers, an American Red Cross Team Supervisor, noticed the lack of students participating in the blood drive. What decreased their numbers, for the most part, were the major requirements.
“We have the two buses here, and we have an hour left and we are probably not halfway where we should be,” Sellers said. “At high schools, it’s usually a height-weight requirement. Normally its height weight and hemoglobin levels. Female hemoglobin has to be 12.5 males have to be 13.0.”

Despite the lack of participants, students still engaged in the HOSA event from a variety of motivations.
“My grandfather died from lymphoma. It’s a cancer of the lymph nodes. (He needed blood) and I would donate my blood and hope that would get to him,” said senior Gabrielle Moreno — giving blood for her third time. “He was O negative (blood type), and I’m not sure what blood type I am, I just know it was acceptable for him.”

Senior Priyan Desilva, on the other hand, gave blood for his first time.
“My motivation now is to find out my blood type,” Desilva said. “It was an interesting experience. It was definitely not what I was expecting. I wasn’t expecting to get light headed but I did. Right after I didn’t feel so good, ten minutes later I felt fine.”

Giving blood, whether enjoyable or not, is a cause that can save lives.
HOSA will host another blood drive next spring. Hopefully, with more time and education, more students will be able to participate to make an outstanding turnout.