Students investigate how blood donation supports community health and use that knowledge to help increase the local blood supply through an on-campus blood drive with the San Diego Blood Bank. They build accurate understanding of red blood cells, the donation process, basic phlebotomy, and HIPAA so they can answer questions, address concerns positively, and communicate with sensitivity and active listening. Over four weeks, they create donor-facing materials, practice check-in and mock blood draw procedures, and prepare to sign up donors while maintaining a professional, privacy-informed environment.

Students will explain the structure and function of red blood cells, describe why blood donation matters, and outline the basic steps of the donation process and a mock blood draw using proper PPE and needle disposal. They will use active listening, reflection, restatement, and clarification to answer donor questions, address concerns positively, and communicate without bias in ways that meet California standards B6.2, B6.3, and B6.4. Students will apply HIPAA guidelines in all spoken and written communication, pass a HIPAA certification assessment, and maintain privacy while checking in donors. They will create accurate educational posters and successfully support blood drive sign-ups and check-in in partnership with the San Diego Blood Bank.

Students will create blood drive promotion posters and donor-facing informational materials that explain red blood cells, the need for blood donation, and what donors can expect during the process. Throughout the project, they will also produce communication scripts, FAQ response cards, and mock check-in protocols that show active listening, positive responses to donor concerns, and HIPAA-safe language. In skills practice, students will complete a HIPAA certification artifact and demonstrate PPE, mock blood draw, and sharps disposal procedures. By the end, the final products are the public awareness campaign materials and students’ live service at the on-campus blood drive check-in with San Diego Blood Bank.

Begin with a visit from a San Diego Blood Bank representative or phlebotomist who brings blood collection materials, explains the donation process, and shares local stories about how donated blood supports patients in San Diego. Have students rotate through short hands-on stations: examining a model or image of red blood cells, practicing PPE steps, reviewing a sample donor check-in form for HIPAA-safe communication, and observing a mock blood draw on a training arm. Close with a brief role-play in which students respond to common donor questions using active listening, clarification, and positive, unbiased communication. End by introducing the challenge: help increase campus blood drive sign-ups while helping donors feel safe, informed, and respected.

Host an on-campus blood drive where students serve as the public face of the event by managing donor check-in, greeting participants professionally, answering common questions with accurate blood donation facts, and protecting privacy using HIPAA-informed practices. Create a public learning display near the drive featuring student posters that explain red blood cell structure and function, why blood donation matters, and what donors can expect during the process. Invite the San Diego Blood Bank, school staff, families, and student peers to attend so students can share what they learned about communication, phlebotomy basics, and donor care through short live explanations or Q&A. End with a brief partner and audience feedback routine that recognizes students’ professionalism, active listening, and respectful communication.