For the Sequoia Students in the Health Career Academy or the HCA, a career in healthcare isn’t just a 10 or 15 year plan, it’s a calling. The HCA is an admit-only program offered here at Sequoia that helps prepare students for future health careers. But how does this program best prepare students for these jobs? The answer lies in helping the community. Members of the HCA organize and direct many different community events, like ones that help inspire learning while simultaneously teaching about ways to keep others safe, like the Natural Disaster Quad Takeover, or annual blood drives that students can participate in.
One standout way the members of the HCA are making an impact in the community is by running informational events like the Natural Disaster takeover on October 24, 2025 to get important information out to the community and students. In this takeover, the HCA members went over what to do in a natural disaster to best keep you and your family safe. They covered ZoneHaven, a sector system to help direct people in the event of a natural disaster such as an earthquake, and practical skills like how to use a fire extinguisher. Overall, this event was an amazing method that HCA members used to help provide people with a general understanding of ways to keep them and their loved ones safe in case of an emergency.
However, this is not the only way that this group is making an impact. The amount of blood donors have dropped in the last year, making a huge impact in hospitals around the world not getting the supply they need to treat their patients. Thankfully, the HCA has found a way to remedy this. Each year, the HCA hosts a blood drive where eligible students can donate blood to the American Red Cross. Not only does this drive help people who need blood transfusions, it also serves as a learning experience.
In conclusion, Sequoia’s Health Career Academy is important, not only for preparing our next generation of doctors, nurses, and surgeons, but also for opportunities like these to make an impact in the community and spread knowledge that can help many people.
