Union City High School and Jose Marti STEM Academy HOSA Students Collect 300+ Blood Units, Potentially Saving 1,000 Lives

Union City, NJ – Students from the Union City High School and Jose Marti STEM Academy Health Occupation Students Association (HOSA) have shown their dedication to their community by successfully collecting more than 300 units of blood in two separate blood drives. The blood collected could potentially help save almost 1,000 lives.

During a nationwide blood shortage, the HOSA students rallied their peers and community members to donate blood. Over 200 individuals, mostly students, donated 148 units of blood during the most recent drive. HOSA Vice President Antonio Soto coordinated the event, with the support of 17 HOSA member volunteers.

Earlier in the school year, the same group hosted another blood drive, which collected 170 units of blood. HOSA President Lesley Barreto was responsible for coordinating the event.

Dr. Caroline Garcia, a health science teacher and HOSA advisor, expressed her pride in the students’ efforts, stating, “With each unit saving up to three lives, as a community we have saved up to 954 lives this (school) year.”

Superintendent of Schools Silvia Abbato commended the students and their teachers for their dedication to the community. “Whenever our community is in need, our students and educators are always ready to step up and help. These two blood drives show our commitment to being a vital part of our community.”

The Union City High School/Jose Marti STEM Academy HOSA students have demonstrated not only their passion for health sciences but also their commitment to making a tangible impact on the lives of others. Their successful blood drives have brought much-needed relief during a critical nationwide blood shortage and exemplify the power of young people to make a difference in their communities.