“You’re just sitting in a chair for like an hour and you’re changing someone’s life, which it’s just kind of crazy to think about,“ says Ambreal Xiong, the HOSA president. HOSA, the Health Occupations Students of America, hosted a blood drive on November 10th this year. They are also planning to host one on February 11th. When sign-ups open, you can sign up by going to room 221 (Irynne Padua’s Room), or by talking to a HOSA member. It’s best to sign up early. Ambreal Xiong, the HOSA student leader, states that too many people showing up without signing up, or signing up late, can stress out the phlebotomist, and people may have to be turned away. There are also requirements to be able to donate — you must be sixteen or older, and 125 pounds or more. Xiong states that the weight requirement is only because of a risk of passing out if you’re under the weight limit.

Irynne Padua, the HOSA advisor, adds that students aren’t the ones who draw the blood. “We partner with Bloodworks Northwest. They’re the ones that actually do the blood draws and collect blood.” When asked about reasons to donate blood, Xiong states, “Well, you’re one, saving a life, which I think is really important, but you’re also helping people get cancer treatments and cancer research and, I mean, you’re just changing lives once you donate your blood.”