Cape High allied health students host blood drive
Cape High students in the allied health pathway earned professional-level experience by hosting a Blood Bank of Delmarva donation drive in the school gym March 17.
Cape High health career pathway instructor Linda Sapienza said the Health Occupation Students of America Club has hosted the drive for at least 10 years.
“We have provided close to 1,000 units of blood over the years to Delmarva Blood Bank,” Sapienza said. “Students also learn that part of leadership is to serve. In this volunteer position, they get to observe professional skills and the blood donation process from beginning to end.”
Before the event, students recruit new donors, Sapienza said. During the blood drive, they observe donors in the chair, provide snacks and hydration, and monitor donors for 15 minutes post-donation to look for any adverse reactions.
Blood Bank of Delmarva Vice President Emily Cunningham and Account Manager Ralph Groves were on hand for the event.
Cunningham said 350 donors are needed each day on the Delmarva Peninsula. Partnering with high schools is important, she said, because it helps create lifelong donors.
COVID created a three-year gap in recruiting high school donors, Groves said.
“Now, we look to catch them in college,” he said. “The next generation of donors is needed.”
Sapienza said students used to look forward to blood drives just to get out of class and enjoy a snack.
“But now, they are psyched about donating their blood. They get it,” she said. “I’m impressed by their genuine interest. They bring in the letters they get from Delmarva Blood Bank that tell them where their blood goes and how they’re saving lives.”
Students host four blood donation drives a year at school, Sapienza said. These future healthcare professionals complete internships and earn industry-recognized certificates of proficiency with the National Consortium for Health Science Education before graduation.
The Blood Bank of Delmarva hosts regular blood donation drives throughout the Cape Region. To learn more or make an appointment, go to delmarvablood.org.
