Photo Provided Gage Hennis, a junior health technologies student at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School, was among dozens of people who gave of themselves during the first of three blood drives held in conjunction with the American Red Cross on Oct. 28.

BLOOMINGDALE — Students and the community turned out for the first of three blood drives at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School in a bid to help save lives.

More than three dozen units were collected throughout the day Tuesday and the campaign was led by the school’s health technologies program in collaboration with the American Red Cross. Health tech students manned stations from registration to the canteen and Red Cross medical personnel oversaw the blood collection. The donations are taken to the Johnstown facility for processing before moving on to hospitals to use for surgeries, cancer patients, and critical needs.

The JVS has hosted blood drives annually, then COVID temporarily put efforts on hiatus until 2022. Organizers said it was among their most successful events and a mixture of school and community members pitched in and rolled up their sleeves. Seniors Dana Haynes and Kaylee Sandy coordinated the latest activity and Haynes said it was another triumphant venture.

“It went wonderfully,” Haynes added. “We had more at this event than we had at the first [of the three blood drives] last year. More students were getting involved this time.”

She attributed that to the health tech students’ promotional efforts and classmate Cheznie Roth agreed.

“We discussed new statistics and how it saves lives, and they had access to sign-up forms and the blood drive app,” Roth added.

According to statistics, one pint of blood can save up to three lives.

“There is always a need for blood,” she continued. “Giving blood saves so many lives in so many ways.”

It was also an opportunity for JVS students from various programs to get a glimpse of the high-tech health tech lab and interact with others. Some health tech students also gave of themselves by volunteering as donors to help support people in need.

For junior Gage Hennis, it was a first-time effort and he was happy to take part.

“I wanted to help other people, whoever needs blood,” Hennis said.

Seniors Abby Kocher and Honoree Dowdell each gave their second donation and said they simply wanted to help others.

“It makes me feel good that it could help to save a life,” said Kocher.

“I do it because I think it’s fun and it saves lives in the process,” added Dowdell.

“This is my first time,” junior cosmetology student Kendall Adams commented. “I wanted to try something new and it could go to somebody who really needs it.”

Program instructor Tammy Sismondo was pleased with the turnout and the support by the Red Cross, saying the program members appreciated all those who gave their time.

“We had students and community members who gave, including some who were new and others who were returning donors. The Red Cross staff was good with the students and donors,” Sismondo said. “We do three blood drives a year. I think it teaches my students leadership skills, it teaches them about service above self, it teaches about giving back to the community, and it teaches them communication skills. Most importantly, they are doing something good to help someone else.”

Meanwhile, donors receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice and graduating health tech students could earn a Red Cross scholarship for their participation. Organizers said the next blood drive has been set for Dec. 18.