Washington, D.C. — America’s Blood Centers, the national organization of community-based, independent blood centers that supply 60 percent of the nation’s blood supply, honored HOSA-Future Health Professionals chapters and state associations for their exceptional blood donation efforts at the 2026 International Leadership Conference (ILC) in Indianapolis, Indiana. HOSA members and chapter and state association leaders demonstrated extraordinary commitment to saving lives, recruiting 30,000 blood donors during the academic year.
The partnership between America’s Blood Centers and HOSA-Future Health Professionals has proven to be extraordinarily successful since its inception in the 2022-2023 academic year. In just four years, HOSA students have made a major impact on the nation’s blood supply, recruiting over 100,000 donors and collecting nearly 100,000 units of blood, potentially impacting nearly a quarter of a million lives.
“The impact of our partnership with HOSA-Future Health Professionals has been remarkable,” said America’s Blood Centers Chief Executive Officer Kate Fry, MBA, CAE. “In just four years, these young leaders have potentially impacted nearly a quarter of a million lives through their blood donation efforts. We’re not only saving more lives but also fostering a new generation of lifelong blood donors. The dedication of HOSA members gives us great optimism for the future of our nation’s blood supply.”
“HOSA-Future Health Professionals remains incredibly proud of our vital partnership with America’s Blood Centers,” said Bergen Morehouse, HOSA Executive Director. “We are deeply grateful to America’s Blood Centers’ local blood centers for establishing strong community partnerships that directly connect with and inspire HOSA members. Through these local collaborations, HOSA members and chapters continue to make a profound impact on strengthening the nation’s blood supply. Beyond the lifesaving collections, organizing these drives equips our members with invaluable, real-world skills in leadership, project management, effective communication, and community advocacy—essential competencies that will empower them as future healthcare professionals and lifelong advocates for blood donation.”
All HOSA chapters were recognized throughout the event for their extraordinary commitment to blood donation and supporting the nation’s blood supply. ABC recognized several HOSA chapters and chartered associations for their exceptional contributions. Colquitt County High School in Georgia and Ashley Ridge High School in South Carolina were honored with the Blood Recruitment Award. Cane Bay High School in South Carolina and Middleton Senior High School in Florida were recognized with the Blood Drive Awareness Award. State associations were also honored for recruiting the most donors, with New Mexico (Small Chartered Association), South Carolina (Medium Chartered Association), and Texas (Large Chartered Association) receiving top honors.
HOSA-Future Health Professionals provides a unique program of leadership development, motivation, and recognition exclusively for secondary, postsecondary, middle school, adult, and collegiate students enrolled in health science education and biomedical science programs or have interests in pursuing careers in health professions. Since its inception in 1976, HOSA has grown steadily, reaching over 2.5 million members through 54 chartered HOSA Associations across the country and around the world. For more information, visit: www.HOSA.org.
About America’s Blood Centers
Founded in 1962, America’s Blood Centers (ABC) is the national organization bringing together community-based, independent blood centers across North America. These organizations operate in more than 1,100 communities and provide close to 60 percent of the U.S. and a quarter of the Canadian blood supply. ABC member organizations serve more than 150 million people and provide blood products and services to more than 3,500 hospitals and healthcare facilities. All ABC U.S. members are 501(c)(3) organizations licensed and regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or Health Canada. For more information, visit: www.AmericasBlood.org.
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