HOSA, LifeSouth organize blood drive at Bob Jones

MADISON – The Health Occupation Students of America Club or HOSA recently organized a blood drive at Bob Jones High School.

HOSA students worked in partnership with LifeSouth Community Blood Centers on Nov. 9 to conduct the event. Sponsor Melinda Lawson said she was proud of HOSA students for organizing a very successful blood drive.

Bob Jones Principal Sylvia Lambert and Assistant Principal Amy Thaxton were happy to support the drive by donating blood.

HOSA’s mission is to enhance the delivery of compassionate, quality health care by providing opportunities for knowledge, skills and leadership development of students interested in health professions. As a result, mentors help students to meet needs of the health care community. (bjhs.madisoncity.k12.al.us)

In other donor announcements, LifeSouth has issued has issued an emergency appeal for O- (negative) blood donors. A critical shortage exists for this blood type.

“We only go into emergency appeal when supplies are critically low, and your help ensures that we are able to provide the blood products needed to save lives in North Alabama,” Eric Franchois said. Franchois works as LifeSouth’s North Alabama Community Development Coordinator.

O-negative blood is the universal type because any patient can receive O- in times of emergency. Only about seven percent of Americans are O- negative, but they can help 100 percent of those needing blood, Franchois said.

“If you are O- negative, LifeSouth needs you to donate today,” Franchois said. Anyone can donate who is 17 years old or older; 16 years old with parental permission; minimum of 110 pounds in weight; and in good health.

Donors must show photo identification. “Donating with LifeSouth directly impacts your friends, neighbors and family members who are treated at our area hospitals,” Franchois said.

LifeSouth’s office address in Madison is 8190 Madison Blvd. For more information about local blood drives, call toll-free 888-795-2707 or 256-468-7861, email egfranchois@lifesouth.org or visit lifesouth.org.