Students met with Donor Recruitment Manager, Kevin Marzoli, from the American Red Cross this morning to discuss the upcoming Blood Drive at New Hampshire Job Corps Center. The Medical students featured above volunteered to lead the effort in pre-registration for potential donors.

Students learned some startling facts today, for example, every two seconds someone, somewhere, needs a blood transfusion. And one blood donation can save up to three lives!

Along with the urgency and need for blood, students learned what happens during the donation process and the restrictions on being able to donate, as well as tips to keep your iron levels high prior to donation. Moving forward, students will be handling pre-registration of students and staff interested in donating, as well as scheduling appointments for the drive, which will take place 10:30am-3:30pm on March 17th.

“The entire process is a great learning experience for students in terms of teamwork, planning and organization” Medical Instructor Janet Taylor remarked today. Students will also participate on the day of by being able to shadow a phlebotomist, as well as monitor the ‘canteen’ area for signs of dizziness/weakness in donors.

The Center is hoping to make the blood drive at minimum an annual event, and ideally, a quarterly event.