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Cape High makes deposits in area blood bank

Students shadow healthcare professionals
November 21, 2017

Cape High junior Nicole Ganzermiller rolled up her sleeve and settled into a recliner, ready to give blood for a good cause.

“I like the idea of saving lives,” the 17-year-old said.

Nicole was one of about 100 students and teachers who signed up to give blood during the school day Oct. 31. Phlebotomists with the Blood Bank of Delmarva worked with about 25 Cape High students enrolled in the health career pathway.

“Students can shadow and observe the skills they've learned for their phlebotomy and hematology unit,” said Linda Sapienza, high school instructor.

Sapienza said her class recruited donors for about three weeks before the blood drive. Candidates had to be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and have no recent infections or illnesses.

Senior Wilfredo Ortiz said he was a little lightheaded, as the machine next to him pumped out two pints of his blood.

“I thought it would be nice to volunteer,” he said.

Senior Amanda Fluharty said she is in her third year of the medical program offered by Cape High. She said a lot of the classwork complements the agricultural classes she takes. Amanda manned a hydration station where donors drank water before giving blood.

“It takes about an hour and 15 minutes for the entire process,” she said. “And you need to eat within three hours.”

Alexis Innis, an account executive with the Blood Bank of Delmarva, said a machine separates blood during the donation process. Red blood cells, platelets and plasma are processed during the procedure.

“Donors are important because they help us maintain our supply,” she said.

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