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JVS holds third blood drive to save lives

By Staff reports 2 min read
SAVING LIVES — Ava Watkins, a junior health technologies student at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School, donated to the program’s blood drive with the support of classmate Daelynn Cordle. Twenty units were collected for the American Red Cross during the April 17 event. -- Contributed

BLOOMINGDALE -- Health technologies students at the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School led their third and final blood drive of the year on April 17.

The purpose was to help build a depleting supply, according to those with the American Red Cross, which joined forces with the program. Students, staff and the community were invited to donate. In the end, 20 viable units of blood were collected. Units were taken to the Johnstown facility to be processed and will be sent to hospitals for surgeries, cancer patients and critical needs. Students occupied stations from registration to the canteen and assisted contributors while Red Cross personnel handled the blood collection.

"This is the third one of the year," said health technologies instructor Tammy Sismondo. "The American Red Cross said there was a real need and asked us to help."

More than 20 people registered, while others attended throughout the day. Some donors said they have given multiple times and simply wanted to help. Others stated this hits close to home.

"This is my fifth time, overall," said junior health tech student Ava Watkins, who attends Toronto High School. "My dad gets transfusions, so I figured I'd do my part and donate."

"This is my third time," said senior carpentry student David Kelley, who attends Indian Creek High School. "It's just to help. People have surgeries and need blood."

"This is my second time donating," said junior computer networking student Michael Wilson, who attends Buckeye Local High School. "I want to help others. My mom said people with A-positive blood help people with cancer, and both of my grandfathers died of cancer. I'd want someone to do this for me." The program annually hosted blood drives up until COVID preempted efforts. The campaign restarted in 2022. Sismondo said the event not only gives back to the community but benefits graduating students."Due to our efforts with the three blood drives, the Red Cross will give us a $500 scholarship," Sismondo added. "We usually split it in half and give $250 each to two students."

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