MADISON – A student group at Bob Jones High School is proving their commitment to help others with health needs, both locally and in other states.

Members of Health Occupations Students of America at Bob Jones are collaborating with LifeSouth Community Blood Centers to host a blood drive on campus on Nov. 26 in the gym.

Headquartered in Southlake, Texas, HOSA is an international career and technical student organization, which has endorsements from the U.S. Department of Education and the Health Science Technology Education Division of the Association for Career and Technical Education or ACTE. Students in middle and high schools, along with college, can participate in HOSA.

HOSA is the largest student organization that prepares youth to enter healthcare fields. Chapters are active across the country, along with U.S. Territories, Canada, China and Mexico.

Along with helping in community outreach, students can find out their individual blood type during the drive, according to Hadley Rosengrant with “Patriot Pages” at Bob Jones.

A student is eligible to donate blood if he or she is at least 16 years old, has received permission from a parent, weighs at least 110 pounds and has not recently lived in certain foreign countries.

Parental consent forms will be available when students schedule an appointment for the drive. A student who is 18 years old does not need a parent’s permission.

Bob Jones students and teachers are encouraging local residents to sign up for the drive. Adults can reserve an appointment to donate by visiting Lifesouth.org. Click “Donor Portal,” and follow the prompts to open an account and schedule an appointment.

“Before you give blood, remember to drink lots of liquids without caffeine at least 24 to 48 hours before Nov. 26,” Rosengrant said. “Be sure to eat a good breakfast and lunch.”

“No matter what your blood type is, you can save a life. Sign up today,” Rosengrant said.

LifeSouth has North Alabama donor centers in Madison, Huntsville, Albertville, Decatur and Florence.

LifeSouth’s address in Madison is 8190 Madison Blvd. Individuals can schedule appointments online. For more information, call toll-free 888-795-2707, ext. 55003 or visit lifesouth.org.