STUDENTS WORK TOGETHER TO HELP SAVE LIVES

(October 31, 2009)...  On Thursday, October 8, 2009 the Health Occupations Technology students, with the assistance of the American Red Cross, held a blood drive at the Indiana County Technology Center (ICTC). Students, staff and community members were asked to participate in the blood drive to help save lives.  Before donating you must have your blood pressure, iron level, temperature and pulse checked to protect your health. The donation of one pint of blood takes anywhere from seven to ten minutes.   In that short amount of time you can save up to three lives. After your donation is made it is recommended that you eat or drink something to help your body adjust to the decrease in fluid volume.
Over all there were 55 donors and 19 first time donors. The ICTC students who choose to donate were given a packet of information to read that explains what changes their body may go through and certain things they may experience. ID must be shown by each student, staff or community member before making a donation.  You must be at least 17 years old to donate to the general blood supply or 16 years old if allowed by state law.  You are allowed to donate blood every 8 weeks (56 days) or double red cells in the last 16 weeks (112 days). Half the nation's blood supply (six million pints annually) is collected by more than 155,000 Red Cross volunteers. Donating is not only beneficial to patients; it’s beneficial to the donor as well. After donating you feel proud that you could be a part of an amazing thing, saving lives.
Health Occupations Technology students received a pizza party as their reward for having the most donors, following close behind was Auto Technology and Electrical Occupations. When asked what she liked most about participating Tara Lewis noted “I like helping people that are donating, to make them feel not as nervous. It is something that I am happy to be a part of.”  Mitch Foreback also stated “I donate for the people who are not able; I like to help when I can.” As we all can tell generosity is a key trait to have while donating or even considering it.

These hard-working Health Occupations students plan to participate in a community service project on November 8 at the Pittsburgh Zoo.   Students will walk in the National Kidney Foundation Kidney Walk.  According to the National Kidney Foundation (NKF), “the Kidney Walk is a non-competitive, fundraising walk focusing on education and prevention of kidney and urinary tract diseases, and awareness of the need for organ donation. The Kidney Walk presents an opportunity for family, friends, and colleagues to participate in an inspiring, community-based event which calls attention to the need for early detection of kidney disease while supporting NKF’s patient services, public and professional initiatives, and kidney research.”  Kidney Walks are held all over the country from early spring until late fall.

In other news, the Indiana County Technology Center (ICTC) Cosmetology program attended the annual Mid- American hair show in Columbus, Ohio on October 10-12, 2009.  The hair show was filled with education, motivation and excitement. The show was an opportunity for cosmetology students to attend an action-packed, educational classroom featuring the industry’s leading artists and educators. In addition, students experienced and had the opportunity to purchase new equipment and products that the various companies had to offer.  These products were offered to the students at a reduced cost. When asked what she thought about the hair show this year Marion Center senior Rae Miller commented that “ even though this year’s Mid-American beauty classic was smaller, it was still very educational and fun.”

There were many companies such as, Paul Mitchell, Liquid Style/Art, BKB, All- Nutrient, Sexy hair and Mantra Hair care that attended the hair show. There were also many different schools and cosmetologists from all around the United States. 

For more information on the Indiana County Technology Center, please visit our web site at www.ictc.ws.

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