It was first thing Friday morning in Mrs. Kussow’s room. Mrs. Kussow started advising HOSA members on what they needed to help with, and the members rushed around following her instructions set up equipment and prepare for sign-ins.
The donors, teachers and students alike, started being sent in. They filled out forms, and were asked questions to keep them safe. Some donors were nervous or scared, but the nurses and HOSA members took care of them and made sure it was a relaxed, positive environment.
Throughout the blood drive, keeping the donors’ spirits raised was the top priority. Even if some HOSA members were tired from going from class to class, they still worked hard to ensure everyone had the best experience they could, especially for first time donors that were nervous and didn’t know what to expect.
There were some repeated donors, but among everyone, it was definitely common to be nervous or scared before donating. Afterwards, though, they talked about how they felt completely fine and were glad they had done it.
One repeat donor, Kai Pelletier, Grade 11, talked about how she feels students view donating blood. “I just think a lot of people come in, and they’re like, ‘They’re going to shove a huge needle in my arm,” Pelletier said. When in reality, “it’s just going to be a pinch.”
Another repeat donor Timothy Bishop, Grade 11, spoke about how it feels for him. “Before, I was really nervous and sweaty. Now, I’m just chilling.” Bishop’s response reminds everyone even repeated donors still get nerves in the beginning.
Throughout the drive, HOSA members heard a lot of the things that motivated donors to give blood. A few that were more frequently heard were for the money, to get free food, the opportunity to help others, NHS services hours, or to get out of class.
Even though everyone had different motivations and experiences, they all helped get 48 successful donations that will help save lives.
