Coppell High School junior Irene Chang strode into the CHS small gym to donate her blood. At first feeling confident, when she sat down, a wave of panic came over her. Despite this, she was glad she made the decision.

“I was super prepared for it but when I actually got in the chair, it was pretty scary, and I almost fainted in the middle, but I’m OK now and happy that I [made the donation],” CHS junior Irene Chang said.

Today, the CHS Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) offered the opportunity to donate blood to students in the CHS small gym. The organization worked in collaboration with Carter Blood Care, who provided snacks and phlebotomists for the annual event.

The blood drive was offered to students 16 and older, with the exception of Lariettes, football players and band members, from 8 a.m. to 3:40 p.m.

The turnout was quite high with 127 students, who registered via the Carter Blood Care website.

This opportunity opened the doors for students to consider starting a lifetime of service for the community.

“Less than four percent of people actually donate blood and putting the blood drive here in the school makes it really convenient for a lot of people,” junior HOSA member Aakash Paidesetty said. “Once they start donating blood for the first time, they are more likely to donate blood in the future so having this blood drive not only secures blood for this event but also secures blood for future [situations] as well.”

To donate, students must bring a photo ID, such as their school ID, and go through a screening process. Following the donation, students must wait for 10 to 15 minutes before heading back to class.

While the initial donation may just mean a sting in the arm, HOSA members believe it will also teach them about the importance of helping others.

“For every one donation that we get from our donors today, we can help save three lives, and I think that’s really important because it teaches and reinforces that value of helping people and doing your job to be a better person in the world,” CHS junior HOSA member Nikita Madhavaram said.