High School Students Embark on Internship Program at LifeSouth Blood Center

Last year’s intern now employed with LifeSouth

Last night, I had the pleasure of attending the LifeSouth Blood Center‘s orientation for their third class of high school student interns. This program offers an incredible opportunity for students interested in healthcare, phlebotomy, and blood donation to gain valuable skills and experience in these fields.

LifeSouth Blood Center, a non-profit organization serving the community since 1978, collects, processes, and distributes blood and blood products to hospitals and patients in need. Their internship program provides a unique blend of online and hands-on training tailored to each student’s learning goals. Interns will work alongside LifeSouth staff, learning phlebotomy, the process of drawing blood from donors.

LifeSouth District Training Coordinator Jennifer Rodriguez addressed the new interns, highlighting that this is the program’s third iteration. This session, four students from Crystal River High School’s Academy of Health Careers will again be participating. The program requires a 25-hour commitment, with students working 2 hours per week from April to May at LifeSouth locations.

While interns won’t be practicing phlebotomy on real donors, they will master the technique using specialized training arms under the guidance of LifeSouth instructors. The program also delves into the blood banking process, encompassing donor recruitment, blood delivery to hospitals, HIPAA compliance, and potential donor interviews.

The program’s impact extends beyond the internship itself. Last year, one of the interns was offered a permanent position as a lab technician in Gainesville at LifeSouth after graduating high school. This individual is now working while also pursuing their education at Santa Fe College, demonstrating the valuable springboard this program provides for launching a successful career in the healthcare field.

Blood donation is a critical and life-saving act that ensures a sufficient blood supply for those in need. Blood products are used in various medical procedures, including surgeries, cancer treatments, and emergency situations. LifeSouth Blood Centers plays a vital role in maintaining a steady blood supply to meet the needs of patients in the community.

This internship program provides an exceptional platform for students to gain a deeper understanding of the significance of blood donation and acquire practical experience in the healthcare field. A huge thank you goes to the entire LifeSouth team, including CEO Kim Kinsell, COO James D. Pettyjohn, District Director Amber McCue, District Training Coordinator Jennifer Rodriguez, and the Citrus LifeSouth Team for their unwavering commitment to this program. Additionally, we extend our gratitude to Citrus County Schools Director of Specialty Programs Darrick Buettner and Crystal River High School’s Academy of Health Careers coordinator Danielle Doherty-Koch for their efforts in supporting this valuable opportunity for students.

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