Blood
JVS blood drive sees one of its largest turnouts
Nov
GIVING FOR ANOTHER’S SAKE — Ryan Scott, a senior in the criminal justice program at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School, did his part to help the American Red Cross and donated blood during the school’s Halloween blood drive. More than 50 people registered to donate at the health technologies lab, which organizers said was one of the most successful drives yet. At least one more blood drive campaign is eyed for the new year, officials said.
— Contributed
BLOOMINGDALE — Halloween turned out to be a very productive day for collecting blood at the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School.
The event yielded more than 50 registered donors, including students and community members, according to American Red Cross officials.
Event coordinator Caitlyn Hager is a senior health technology student at the school. She stated there were 53 registered donors in attendance. “The purpose of the blood drive is to get students and people in the community to give blood because there’s a critical shortage right now,” she said.
Those who gathered at the health technologies lab were there to help others during their time of great need.
The health technology program and American Red Cross joined forces to make the event a success. Students registered and assisted donors, while Red Cross medical personnel oversaw the collection.
In the end, the viable blood was taken to the organization’s Johnstown facility, where it will be processed and sent to hospitals.
Organizers said the current need was critical and every bit donated made a difference.
She said the donations remained steady throughout the day and officials hoped to obtain as many units as possible to build up a supply.
Program instructor Tammy Sismondo said the volunteer response was larger than previous events.
“It’s probably the most we’ve had,” Sismondo said. “We had a great number of sign-ups from the public and the students.”
Among them were first-time and repeat donors, with one having given nearly three dozen times. Brian Jung of Carrollton said he has rolled up his sleeve 32 times because his blood can help many people.
“I have O-negative and CMV-negative blood, so I can give to babies and AIDS and cancer patients,” Jung said. “I get a lot of calls to give blood and I try to do it regularly.”
Zoe Board, a senior in the health technology program, said she has given three times because she wants to help.
“I thought it was fun to watch people and know that giving blood can save somebody,” she said. “I donated to help my brother’s Boy Scout leader, who has leukemia. It’s for a good cause. It’s a good thing to give and know you are going to help people.”
“It helps people and saves lives,” commented Autumn Brown, a senior criminal justice student and three-time contributor.
First-time donors Connor Gotschall, Mia Myers, Danielle Howard and Ryan Scott agreed it was a great thing to do.
“I wanted to do it last year,” said Gotschall, a senior in the auto service program. “I feel good. You can help somebody who needs it.”
“I wanted to have the opportunity to help someone because they need it,” added Myers, a junior in the electrical trades program.
“It’s something new,” added Howard, who is a junior in the criminal justice program at JVS. She said she liked helping others.
“I did it because I thought it would be fun,” noted Scott, a senior criminal justice student.
In addition to filling the need, graduating health technology students are eligible to receive American Red Cross scholarships.
The program hosted bi-annual collections until COVID pre-empted efforts in 2020. The campaign was restarted last year and organizers stated at least one more collection is being looked at in 2024.
