Community

JVS blood drive turnout exceeds expectations

BLOOMINGDALE-Donors really stepped up for the first of three blood drives at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School on Oct. 29.

About 59 people were registered with some walk-ins also taking part in the campaign, which was held by the health technologies program in conjunction with the American Red Cross. The event was primarily student-led, with health tech pupils managing registration and the canteen as Red Cross medical personnel oversaw the blood collection. In the end, the drive amassed more than 40 viable units that will benefit people in need of surgeries to cancer treatment and blood transfusions.

Seniors Gage Hennis and Paige Dombroski organized the event and were thrilled to gain such a strong response.

“We had 59 people [register] with 21 from the community and 38 students, plus a few walk-ins," said Hennis. "It might be the most we've ever gotten over the years we've held a blood drive. It's fantastic. One of the important things is one pint can save several lives."

Dombroski said the health tech students were involved in most facets of the event, including as runners to collect students for their donation appointments; volunteers heading the registration table; walkers to assist donors through the stations; and helpers at the canteen to provide respite and refreshments following contributions.

"Every chair has been full," said health tech senior Makayla Pittman. "We had 31 people [within the first few hours] since started at 8 a.m."

Students donated either for the first time or were repeat contributors, and they all said it was vital to give.

"I thought it would be something good to help people who need blood," said Drew Milton, a junior in the HVAC program who was a new donor. He added that he may roll up his sleeve again to help in the future.

"I wanted to help," said Connor Mick, a junior in the heavy equipment operation program and another first-time giver. "You can help other people."

He also noted his interest in participating in another blood drive.

Mason Salazar, a senior in the carpentry program, signed up for the first time with girlfriend Victoria Dear, a senior in the cosmetology program who was completing her third donation.

"It's really nice to help others," said Salazar.

Health tech instructor Tammy Sismondo said about 43 viable units were collected in the end, but the blood will help about 120 people during emergencies. She was also pleased with the lessons her students have learned along the way.

"I think for our first blood drive of the year that the students have done a wonderful job. They take all of their hard and soft skills (organizational, leadership, and teamwork) and put them to work," Sismondo added. "This may be one of the best blood drives we've had so far."

Two more collections are scheduled for Jan. 14 and May 5, while graduating health tech students are also eligible to receive up to $500 in Red Cross scholarships to further their studies. The amount of funding received is based upon the number of units collected with the selection of recipients based on student essays.