BLOOMINGDALE-The health technologies program at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School is looking for volunteers to give the gift of life during an upcoming blood drive.

The first of three campaigns will be held on Oct. 28 from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the health tech lab at the school, which is located at 1509 County Highway 22A in Bloomingdale. Students in the program will conduct registration and canteen services while medical personnel from the American Red Cross will coordinate the collection.

Instructor Tammy Sismondo said more than 30 units have been collected in the past and she hopes people inside and outside the school will show up and roll up their sleeves.

She added that a total of three collections will be held throughout the school year, with two set in 2025 and one around spring of 2026. The health tech program continues to work in cooperation with the American Red Cross to obtain blood contributions, which are taken to the Johnstown facility for processing before moving on to hospitals to use for surgeries, cancer patients, and critical needs.

“We have participated with the American Red Cross and done the blood drives for years. I think it’s a great opportunity for students to learn leadership skills and service above self. They can contribute in some way, whether they work in the canteen or make sure the donors are all right. Overall, the blood drives have been a positive learning opportunity for the students and I think it has also been positive for the Red Cross.”

The JVS has hosted blood drives annually, then COVID temporarily put efforts on hiatus until 2022. The event has also benefits graduating students since the Red Cross provides up to $500 in scholarship funds that has been divided between two recipients.

“The amount of funding we receive is based upon the number of units we collect, and the selection of recipients is based on student essays,” Sismondo added.

To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (733-2767), download the App or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter “JVS.” Participants may also streamline their donation and save time by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass to complete a pre-donation questionnaire on the day of the appointment. Donors who give blood between Oct. 20-Nov. 16 will receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice.