On Wednesday, Jan. 29, Emerson’s HOSA chapter held their second blood drive of the school year in partnership with Carter Blood Care. With over 100 participants registered to donate blood, this blood drive collected enough blood to save approximately 300 lives.

Executive Officer, Laya Ganta, 12, talks more about the importance of donating blood.

“There is always a necessity for blood,” Ganta said. “Because everyone has a different blood type there is no guarantee that the necessary type of blood for a patient is going to be available at any given time. Especially because we currently have a blood shortage, it’s important to donate.”

To organize this blood drive, HOSA officers coordinated with Carter Blood Care, a nonprofit organization which provided the buses where students had their blood drawn by phlebotomists.

“We made flyers and spread the word about the blood drive through social media and the daily announcements,” Ganta said. “We also went class to class during advisory to talk directly to students and pass out forms.”

Learning from the past drive, the officers attempted to improve upon the efficiency.

“This time, we were able to get students in and out of the buses faster,” Coordinator Mahalakshmi Pottumurthy, 12, said. “My role was to make sure that the buses were full at all times.”

Senior Srinidhi Marrivada speaks about her experience prior to her first time donating blood.

“I’m a little nervous,” Marrivada said. “I was planning on donating during the last drive but didn’t. I’m less nervous this time and I’m excited to get my blood drawn because I know it’s for a good cause.”