By: Hadlee Larsen
Ever wanted to be a superhero and save lives? Even if you can’t fly like superman or don’t have super strength like Hulk, you do have the power to save someone’s life by donating blood.
On January 31st from 10 AM to 2 PM, the lecture hall was filled with students getting involved in HOSA’s blood drive. Anybody 16 and above were welcome to sign up and donate blood as quoted on the flyer “To Save A Life”.
HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) is all about developing students’ leadership and technical skills to prepare them for careers in health. One of the things they do is organize/coordinate about 2 to 3 blood drives a year as they work with ARUP (Associated Regional and University Pathologists), a primary laboratory for the University Of Utah Hospital to set it all up. These events can do numerous miracles, there is always a high demand for individuals that have lost blood due to disease or traumatic injury.
Gabriela Archuleta, a senior, talks about the benefits of the blood drive, she says “The blood drive provided the opportunity for the youth to make a lifesaving difference, which is not something we can do often. What is so special about the blood drive is that it stays local, the blood donated can help your next door neighbor. Students and others can experience a sense of pride for vitalizing the community, sacrificing a small amount of time to be of service.”
The blood drive has provided opportunities for Fremont students to donate a pint of their own blood for the benefit of others.
Doug Kap, HOSA advisor over the blood drive, expresses “I enjoy seeing the results of the blood drive. Fremont was able to donate 30 pints of blood in 4 hours.” This is not only helpful to the others in need of the blood but the ones donating as well.
Dough Kap continued, “It benefits students in the idea that they are helping their community save lives.”
Trevyn Bingham, a sophomore, talks about why he went to the drive, he says “So I could help save lives and could miss school.”
Blood supply is constantly needed no matter what situation, HOSA believes that by holding these blood drives, it can help raise awareness about the importance of donating blood.
Cora Sayers, a senior HOSA member, says “I believe that the majority of students here at Fremont are thoughtful. They may have had a genuine desire to help others and make a positive impact. Knowing that they could possibly save a life is a powerful incentive. Some other people may have had a personal experience that led them to donate.”
Even if you weren’t able to attend this past blood drive, you don’t need to worry any longer because HOSA has another upcoming drive scheduled for April 21st, so mark your calendars.
What kind of superhero are you going to be?
