Celebrating Lifesaving Impact: America’s Blood Centers Recognizes HOSA-Future Health Professionals at the 2025 International Leadership Conference

On June 26, 2025, in Washington, DC, America’s Blood Centers (ABC) recognized the outstanding efforts of HOSA-Future Health Professionals during the 2025 International Leadership Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. Over the past year, HOSA members worked hard, recruiting more than 32,000 donors and collecting nearly 30,000 units of blood. During the conference, Blood Assurance, a regional blood center, set a record by collecting 471 units of blood, the highest ever at an ILC event.

The collaboration between ABC and HOSA has been a remarkable success since it started in the 2022-2023 academic year. In these three years, HOSA students have recruited over 88,000 donors and collected nearly 81,000 units of blood. This effort could potentially save around 250,000 lives.

Kate Fry, CEO of ABC, praised the partnership, saying, “These young leaders have made a real difference. We’re fostering lifelong blood donors while saving lives.” Karen Koeninger, Interim Executive Director of HOSA, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the dedication of student members in making a strong impact on the nation’s blood supply.

Garry Allison, Senior Vice President of Operations for Blood Assurance, shared, “Collecting 471 units of blood at the ILC is significant. It could help over 1,400 people. These students are not just preparing for careers in healthcare; they are making a real difference today.”

During the event, several HOSA chapters received recognition. Heritage High School in Tennessee earned praise for its innovative promotion of blood drives, while Spencer High School in Georgia was recognized for organizing drives during crucial shortage periods. State associations also stood out, with South Dakota, South Carolina, and Texas claiming top honors for their donor recruitment efforts.

America’s Blood Centers, founded in 1962, includes community-based blood centers across North America. These centers supply nearly 60% of the blood in the U.S. and a quarter in Canada, servicing over 150 million people. They are essential providers for more than 3,500 hospitals and healthcare facilities. For more details, visit America’s Blood Centers.

HOSA-Future Health Professionals, founded in 1976, has grown to include over 2.5 million members across 54 chartered associations. They focus on leadership development and recognition for individuals interested in health professions. To learn more, visit HOSA.

Blood Assurance, a nonprofit blood center, operates mainly in Tennessee and neighboring states. Its goal is to ensure a safe and adequate supply of blood at a reasonable cost. For more information, check out Blood Assurance.

As communities continue to rally around the cause of blood donation, the collaboration between HOSA and ABC illustrates the powerful impact young people can have in healthcare. Their enthusiasm and commitment can inspire others to join the effort in saving lives.

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America’s Blood Centers, blood donation, hosa, healthcare education, student leadership, community service, medical volunteering, student achievement