Leaders of Hopkinton High School’s CARE group are (from left) Devanshi Agrawal, Aishwarya Vijay, Sofia Dhayal and Rithikaa Vigneshwaran.

A group of students at Hopkinton High School is hoping to spread awareness about the dangers of anemia, particularly among youth and teenage girls.

Calling themselves CARE (Campaign for Anemia Research and Education), the four juniors are working through the HHS HOSA organization for future health professionals to educate their peers and provide resources to those who may be affected by the condition.

Although there are different types of anemia, CARE is focusing on iron deficiency anemia, which occurs when a person’s blood lacks adequate healthy red blood cells.

“Without sufficient iron, your body can’t produce enough of a substance in red blood cells (hemoglobin) that enables them to carry oxygen,” according to CARE.

Resulting symptoms can include tiredness, weakness, dizziness or lightheadedness, headaches, paleness or yellowish skin, cold hands and feet, and shortness of breath. Severe symptoms include irregular heartbeat and chest pain.

Aishwarya Vijay noted that CARE has conducted presentations at Hopkinton Middle School and is collaborating with the Hopkinton Public Library about possibly hosting a youth workshop.

Jointly with the Gender Equity Club at HHS, CARE hosted presentations Feb. 6 and Feb. 11 and will have an online webinar for interested individuals who cannot attend live events.

“We also participated in an interview on our school’s local television show, where we educated the community about the dangers of anemia,” Vijay said.

Devanshi Agrawal said the group chose anemia as a topic of study because it is a widespread condition that affects people of all ages and backgrounds.

“Many individuals are unaware of the symptoms or how manageable it can be with proper awareness,” Agrawal said. “Our goal is to educate people about anemia’s impact, prevention strategies and treatment options.”

The students have been using social media campaigns (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube), school newsletters and word of mouth through clubs like HOSA and Project Just Because to get the word out, noted Rithikaa Vigneshwaran.

Although their audience to date has been primarily high school age and younger students, she said they hope to include families and community members at larger gatherings.

In addition, part of the students’ efforts involve fundraising, with bake sales after school held on Feb. 6 and Feb. 13 in the high school atrium.

CARE also set up a GoFundMe to benefit Boston Children’s Hospital, which has researchers and medical staff working to aid those with anemia disorders.

Other types of anemia are aplastic, hemolytic, sickle cell and thalassemia, and it can result from chronic conditions like kidney disease or cancer.

Although Vijay is planning to pursue a law degree, Sofia Dhayal said she is considering various medical fields as a career, including dentistry and surgery. Agrawal aspires to become a physician assistant, while Vigneshwaran also is exploring medical-related professions.

More information about the project can be found at carefhp.wixsite.com/anemia/portfolio.