By Jamie Clark
Staff Writer
Students at Northwood High School had the opportunity to make a life-saving impact as HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) hosted their annual blood drive on April 29th, 2025.
The blood drive is organized with the goal of supporting hospitals and patients in need, particularly individuals suffering from blood disorders, trauma, or other medical conditions that affect the quality or quantity of their blood cells. Donations from healthy individuals are essential to help these patients recover and regain their strength.
Soraya de Luna Villalpando, a student member of HOSA who is actively involved in planning the event, emphasized the significance of youth involvement.
“The blood drive helps because we are younger and we have good, healthy blood to save people who don’t have as healthy blood,” Villalpando said. “Knowing that something as simple as donating blood can help save someone’s life makes me happy.”
Blood drives are not only a chance for students to give back to the community, but also an opportunity for them to learn more about public health, medical science, and the importance of volunteerism. HOSA hopes that the event will inspire students to become regular donors and consider future careers in healthcare.
During the blood drive, HOSA collected blood from more than 40 donors. “HOSA reached our goal of at least 25 blood donations to gain funds for club use,” HOSA president Cattia Blake said.
