The halls of the school turned into a life-saving hub Nov. 21 as HOSA partnered with We Are Blood, a local blood supply center, to commence their annual blood drive. Students filled the donor chairs throughout the day, each contribution helping to meet a critical need.

From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the lecture hall, We Are Blood received 39 successful whole blood donations from students, which were later distributed to various hospitals and medical centers across Central Texas. We Are Blood Director of Communications Victoria Mendiola says We Are Blood is the only local, nonprofit blood center serving 10 counties across Central Texas.

“We Are Blood is proud to be the sole supplier of blood products to over 50 hospitals, medical facilities and emergency medical service agencies in the region,” Mendiola said. “That means every patient in need of a blood transfusion in Central Texas relies on We Are Blood – the donors, drive hosts, volunteers and staff who make it all possible. We Are Blood’s mission is to provide and protect the local blood supply, to inspire Central Texans to save lives locally and to always treat those we serve like family.”

We Are Blood needs 200 blood donations daily to achieve their mission. According to the organization, the 39 student blood donations collected from Cedar Park High School could save up to 117 lives.

“Partnerships with local high schools like Cedar Park High School are vital,” Mendiola said. “Not only do high school blood drives help us meet that daily goal, but it allows us to develop connections and engage younger donors which is key to meeting the future transfusion needs of Central Texans.”

Cedar Park’s HOSA Chapter contributed to the organization and assembly of the blood drive. According to senior HOSA President Katherine Liu, 24 student volunteers and numerous We Are Blood employees were what made the blood drive run smoothly.

“HOSA hosts this event in coordination with We Are Blood,” Liu said. “Our club helps coordinate blood donors, volunteers at the drive and just the overall planning of the event to ensure a successful blood drive.”

Volunteering aside, students also continue to play a role in the promotion and education of blood donations. Liu also states that it is important for young adults to learn about blood shortages and public health needs as they are able to make a difference from a young age.

“HOSA has a mission to empower students to become leaders in healthcare, especially through education, collaboration and experience,” HOSA Sponsor Tyler Terry said. “This blood drive is a collaborative partnership with We Are Blood and HOSA students are the ones doing a lot of the organizational work to make it happen. That sounds like healthcare related leadership and learning to me.”

Overall, the annual schoolwide blood drive was yet another event made successful by the members in the Cedar Park community. Mendiola hopes that students understand the importance of blood donation.

“Regardless of the role we play in the organization, each pint drawn, each hour volunteered, bill paid, drive booked or piece published, each of us is dedicated to a mission of saving lives locally,” Mendiola said. “The work we do is meaningful and life changing for people and their families within our community like friends, neighbors and strangers we pass in the grocery store. This work is incredibly rewarding.”