Students push through the large double doors and make their way into the student parking lot, simultaneously excited and nervous for the experience to come. As they approached the large buses filled with various medical equipment, they knew that this would be worth it.
On Tuesday, Coppell High School’s HOSA chapter partnered with Key Club to host its annual blood drive for students aged 16 and older.
“It’s been something our school has been doing for a long time,” HOSA junior parliamentarian Sahiti Godavarthi said. “As a health science organization, it helps us understand our purpose.”
The blood was collected by Carter BloodCare to donate to hospitals in need of blood, in addition to educating HOSA students about the process.
“It was eye opening,” said junior Mahika Rao, who donated blood. “Right now, it’s very stressful and we feel like our studies are the most important thing, but there are other things happening in the world. I’m saving someone’s life.”
Carter BloodCare provided facilities for donors to rest and recover before being sent back to class, along with phlebotomists to extract the blood. Prior to donating, students were asked multiple questions about their health to ensure eligibility. Donors were instructed to eat a full meal the day of donation and required to wait 10-20 minutes before going back to class.
“It was definitely very successful,” HOSA senior president Prisha Thakur said. “There were so many people lining up at the doors to donate. There was a 40-minute waiting time.”
Side effects of donating include lightheadedness and less energy through the day.
“They gave us snacks and liquids, because it’s important to stay hydrated and eat well when you donate blood,” Rao said.
There are also health benefits to donating blood, according to Health Science Theory teacher Rick Harris.
“It makes your bone marrow produce more red blood cells, and you’re getting rid of old ones,” Harris said. “Every time you donate, you save three lives.”
Donors left satisfied with their contribution through the blood drive.
“It was a very different experience than what I thought it would be,” Rao said. “I feel like overall, donating made me feel like I was actually contributing to someone’s life. It’s worth it.”
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