BLOOMINGDALE — Jefferson County Joint Vocational School’s health technologies program has set its second blood drive of the school year and is putting out the call for donors.

The next event is scheduled for Jan. 15 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the program lab at the school, which is located at 1509 County Highway 22A in Bloomingdale. It is being held in conjunction with the American Red Cross and organizers said registered donors and walk-ins are welcome, while the goal is to obtain viable units to help as many people as possible.

Program instructor Tammy Sismondo said the first campaign on Oct. 28 was successful and hopes are to continue the momentum at the upcoming event.

“We collected 39 units, which has the potential to save 117 lives,” Sismondo said. “This is our second blood drive of the year and we hope to do the same as last time, if not better.”

She added that JVS students who meet criteria may contribute while pre-registration was also available.

Health tech students will occupy stations from registration to the canteen the day of the event while Red Cross medical personnel will oversee the blood collection. Donations are taken to the Johnstown facility for processing before moving on to area hospitals to use for surgeries, cancer patients, and other critical needs. Sismondo added that the blood drive would be canceled in case of inclement weather.

The JVS has hosted blood drives each year but was temporarily shelved during COVID before returning in 2022. Sismondo said three collections are held during the school year and the activities were a win-win because it not only saves lives but teaches her students leadership skills and about giving back to the community. Meanwhile, the third and final blood drive is being set for March 16.

People who donate between Jan. 1-25 have a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LX in California by going online to rcblood.org/SuperBowl. To register for the blood drive, call (800) RED-CROSS (800-733-2767), visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter JVS, or download the blood donor app.