Last week, students from all grades lined up to participate in the annual Inova blood drive. Students in the Language and Medicine Academy class host the Inova Blood Mobile every year, taught by teacher Ms. Alisa Zamudio. Students are in charge of marketing, managing and promoting the annual affair.
“Students getting to volunteer and support as well as taking leadership is one of my favorite things about the blood drive,” Zamudio said.
The blood drive is held twice a year, with improvements made every year to encourage more participants. One is held in the winter, and the other is in the spring. The next date is scheduled for March 24, 2026.
Zamudio admires the creative marketing and advertising for the drive, and how it brings academy students from different schools together.
“It’s helpful to have all sophomores, juniors and seniors to volunteer as much as we can,” Zamudio says.
The blood drive not only benefits students in the West Po community, but those who rely on blood transfusions for their survival at the Inova hospitals. According to the Red Cross, every two seconds in the U.S. a person requires blood and platelets. Donating blood units will save lives, especially since blood platelets cannot be made artificially. Even one unit of blood can aid up to three people. It’s needed constantly for patients like accident victims, surgical patients and those with certain health conditions.
Many students took part in this year’s blood drive, including junior Sophia Garica. Garica is enrolled in the dentistry class at the West Po Academy, and this is her first time participating in the blood drive.
“It was like one out of ten of pain, it did not hurt at all. So I think it’s 100% worth it, and everyone should do it if they can,” Garcia said.
Not only is regular blood donating important, but it’s especially important from those who have uncommon blood types. Type O negative is one of the highest demand types, due to it only making up 7 % of the population. Type O positive is in high demand as well, because it is the most common blood type and is often used during crucial emergency procedures. Types A+, B+, AB+and AB- are also highly sought after.
Another student, Ruhama Firew, junior, also participated in this year’s blood drive.
“I had a lot of fun, because I missed class, and on top of that I was helping someone I also got free hoodies,” Firew explained.
Students who participated in the blood drive received a sweatshirt, to remember the heroic act that saves others in their community.
If you or a friend are interested in donating blood, stop by the Blood Mobile in the spring, or visit https://www.inovablood.org/ to find a date for donation that works for you.
