Hosa - Future health professIONAls

Illinois Association

Why Service matters

Healthcare is about people first. As future health professionals, HOSA members learn early on that service is not an add-on — it’s a core part of the profession. Volunteering builds empathy, sharpens teamwork, and shows the direct impact of healthcare beyond the classroom. Service projects also connect chapters with their communities and give members the chance to be recognized for the time and energy they give.

 

National Service Project: NMDP (formerly Be The Match)


Partner: NMDP.org/HOSA   

Link to Event Guidelines: HOSA Service Project Guidelines   

 

Each year, HOSA partners with the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) to support patients waiting for life-saving blood stem cell or marrow transplants. Chapters can earn recognition by:

  • Logging volunteer hours through the NMDP Volunteer Portal
  • Raising funds to expand patient assistance and research
  • Recruiting new donors to join the registry


Recognition:

  • Certificate of Recognition – 100 points
  • Certificate of Merit – 500 points
  • Additional awards for top fundraising and donor-recruiting chapters at ILC


📍 Every dollar, every hour, and every new donor brings us closer to cures.

Barbara James Service Award (BJSA)


Link to Event Guidelines: Barbara James Service Award Guidelines   


Recognizes individual members who commit at least 100 hours of health-related community service between June 1 and May 15.

  • Bronze: 100–174 hours
  • Silver: 175–249 hours
  • Gold: 250+ hours


Service examples: volunteering at health fairs, clinics, senior centers, or hospitals. Hours are tracked through the HOSA Activity Tracking System (HATS).

America’s Blood Centers (ABC) Blood Drive


Link to Event Guidelines: America's Blood Centers Guidelines   


Chapters partner with local blood centers to host drives and help secure the nation’s blood supply.

  • Bronze: 65–150 donors
  • Silver: 151–249 donors
  • Gold: 250+ donors


Donations are tracked through the ABC portal.

American Red Cross Volunteer Recognition


Link to Event Guidelines: American Red Cross Volunteer Guidelines   


Chapters can earn recognition by logging hours spent volunteering with the Red Cross — from disaster preparedness to life-saving training.

  • Bronze: 200–249 hours
  • Silver: 250–299 hours
  • Gold: 300+ hours


Additional scholarship opportunities are available for outstanding chapter projects.