SCVTHS Holds Blood Drive

Students at Somerset County Vocational and Technical High School (SCVTHS) held a blood drive in an effort to help alleviate statewide shortages.

The school’s chapter of HOSA-Future Health Professionals joined the SCVTHS Climate and Culture Committee to sponsor the event, which was held on February 2. The original drive had been scheduled for January 26 in recognition of National Blood Donor Month, but had to be rescheduled due to snow. The goal was to provide members of the school community with an opportunity to donate blood and platelets to help address the increased need that occurs during the winter months.

Students attended an assembly in January where Michael Leviton of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) discussed the importance of blood donations. He highlighted the multiple ways that donated blood can save lives, and urged eligible students to consider donating this winter.

In addition to the assembly, HOSA members encouraged their classmates to register for the blood drive, and provided educational resources on the donation process and ways to improve blood health.

The blood drive, held at SCVTHS with RWJUH equipment and staff, allowed faculty, students, parents, and family members to donate. HOSA members assisted on the day of the drive by overseeing participant sign-in, providing information, and monitoring donors after they had given blood. Over 50 people participated and donated 30 units of blood over the course of the daylong event.

SCVTHS HOSA Vice President Sarah Bahnasy was pleased by the turnout. “One blood donation can be the reason someone gets a second chance at life. We’re very happy we could help to make a difference.”

If you are interested in donating blood, please visit www.rwjuhdonorclub.org for information, registration, and donation center locations.

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital staff collected 30 units of blood at an event organized and run by students in the Health Occupations program at Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School. Pictured are (back row): Yorleny Rodriguez of Bound Brook, Health Occupations instructor Kim Vasaturo, Sarah Bahnasy of Bound Brook, and Treesa Joby of Hillsborough. (front row): Valeria Reinoso of Hillsborough, Anya Konduru of Hillsborough and Melissa Gallegos of Bridgewater.