A chapter of Healthcare Occupations Students of America (HOSA) was started at River Falls High School in November 2023. "The mission of HOSA is to empower HOSA-Future Health Professionals to become leaders in the global community through education, collaboration, and experience." The group is rapidly growing with 55 current members, 35 of whom are competing in January's Regional Leadership Conference. The chapter allows students to explore their interests in healthcare through labs, guest speakers, shadowing experiences, field trips, and competitions. The chapter also supports our local community. For example, the group purchased Christmas gifts and collected dental supplies to donate.
Chapter advisor Amber Merkatoris told us that the group has gone from 33 members in 2023-24 to 55 currently. Eight students went to the Regional Leadership Conference, 7 to the State Leadership Conference, and 2 competed at the International Conference. The students learn about laboratory procedures including blood smears, intubation, suturing, and other hands-on skills. In addition to the conferences/competitions and the lab skills field trips, the chapter does fundraising and community service. She described a student-led project to put together dental kits for several local agencies that use technically expired but still fully functional items.
In upcoming events, Amber noted Youth Mental Health First Aid Training. This is an important, recently recognized area where students and future health professionals can learn important skills.
About the Speaker: Amber Merkatoris is the advisor of RFHS HOSA. She earned a bachelor's degree in Marine Biology, went back to school to be a Veterinary Technician, became a stay at home mom, started teaching English to Chinese students online, then started substituting and earned Biology & Broadfield Science teaching certificates. Amber has been teaching at RFHS for 4 years, currently teaching Biology, Intro to Health Professions, & Stream Ecology. Amber says that she loves sharing her experiences and skills, gaining new knowledge, and providing opportunities for her students! Amber has two daughters, Bridgette (7th grade) & Marcie (4th grade) who attend Baldwin-Woodville Schools. Her husband is a firefighter/paramedic for Maplewood Fire Department & United Fire in Woodville.