Students and staff recently rolled up their sleeves to help save dozens of local lives by participating in a blood drive at school.

The Health Occupations Students of America organized the blood drive in coordination with Miller Keystone on Oct. 1

The 24 units of blood collected will be used to treat local patients, the school said.

Blood donations are essential to a functioning health care system, because they’re used for a variety of medical procedures.

Blood transfusions performed with donated blood samples are used to treat anemia, cancer, dramatic injuries, premature babies and much more.

“The blood drive allows us to help the community and to know what it means to give back. I think that is a very important thing for high school students to learn,” said Madyson Harmady, a senior in the health medical assistant technical area. “The blood drive is a great way to help others, and it makes me feel really good to get to see all of my friends help out too.”

HOSA will be hosting another drive on Jan. 16, 2025.