CCISD/Courtesy Photo - CCHS student Vivian Cohn clutches the hand of fellow student Victoria Zabatta while giving blood during the school’s bi-annual blood drive hosted by HOSA. The school collected 172 units of blood and has collected the most units of all of the Central Texas schools for the last four years consecutively.

CCISD blood drive exceeds expectations of 170 units

By NATALIE MARSHALL
Special to Leader-Press
 
Vivian Cohn clutched the hand of fellow student Victoria Zabatta as the blood raced from her arm and into the pint sized bag which was slowly filling up. Cohn was one of nearly 20 students and staff who participated in a two-day blood drive at Copperas Cove High School.
 
The drive, hosted by Health Occupation Students of America, is one of two the organization organizes annually to compete with other area high schools. The units of blood obtained assist Carter Blood Care to supply much needed blood, all of which stays within the Central Texas area. CCHS HOSA has been recognized by Carter Blood Care for the last four years for collecting the most units. HOSA’s goal was to collect 170 units of blood and they successfully exceeded their expectation with an additional two units of blood thanks to staff, students and some parents who had heard about the blood drive. Students in HOSA who volunteered or donated blood this year will be eligible to attend a banquet in April where they will be recognized again this school year for collecting the highest amount of donations from among the area schools.
 
The blood drives are one part of community service projects taken on by the HOSA members. The students in the organization learn about the importance of networking with outside organizations, assisting community service projects and volunteering their time.
 
Students who have been a part of HOSA and the school’s nursing programs were able to assist Carter Blood Care’s licensed phlebotomists. Students, like HOSA member Alexis Trevino, shadowed trained professionals and help in many crucial areas of the blood drive.
 
“Helping with the blood drive lets me observe and learn more about phlebotomy. I enjoyed making sure no one passed out and escorted them to sit down after they donate,” said Trevino who plans to join the Air Force after graduation to become a registered nurse.
 
Volunteer students become more knowledgeable on how to handle difficulties that trained professionals encounter. Some of those difficulties include finding the right vein and explaining the process while reassuring timid donors, CCHS HOSA President Nicole Huereque said.
 
“We make sure preventative care is taken with each donor before and after. We offer them a snack and a drink after they donate and take students back to class,” Huereque said.
 
Huereque will obtain her certified nursing assistance certificate while attending Cove High School. There are many fields in which students can receive their certifications while still in high school including phlebotomy, veterinary technician, CPR, and more to enter in the medical field upon graduation.
 
HOSA hosts its final blood drive of the school year May 16-17.

 

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