Much like dracula, HOSA wants your blood.

HOSA is collaborating with Carter BloodCare to host a blood drive today in the carter bloodcare buses that will be parked on the side of the school, outside the gym and auditorium. 

In order to donate you must be at least 16 and over 110 pounds. 16 years old must get a permission form signed by their parents, but anyone 17 and older can donate regardless of parental approval.

However, before donating blood, whether it’s today or some other time, Nurse Carolina Dulce Craft has some tips.

“You want to make sure you’re well hydrated since they are going to take some blood out of you and that can cause some volume deficits,” Dulce Craft said. “So making sure you eat, sleep, and drink water prior to it as well as after.”

Donated blood is used to help treat those in the hospital dealing with a wide range of conditions making donations essential. In addition, seniors who give blood will be eligible to receive a cord. HOSA Co-President Rishub Rathod which can show a student’s contribution.

“Cords are a really great way to show your dedication and your participation in a lot of high school experiences,” Rathod said. “So for HOSA at the blood drive we offer a blood drive cord which is given if you donate twice in your senior year during both of our bloodrives in the fall and the spring.”