Sept. 3-7 is National Blood Collectors Week, a time to celebrate the work and contributions of our blood collections team in supporting hospital patient care.
Each year the American Red Cross collections staff members collect on average more than 4.5 million blood donations and nearly 1 million platelet donations from nearly 2.5 million volunteer blood and platelet donors. Red Cross collections team members make a vital contribution to meet the needs of patients in hospitals and transfusion centers across the country.
Please join us in recognizing a few among the dozens of wonderful blood collectors in Los Angeles, folks who keep blood donors coming back again and again.
By Mimi Teller/American Red Cross
Photo by Mimi Teller/American Red Cross
Peruvian born Carmela Bazan has been a phlebotomist with the Red Cross for six years. She joined the organization out of a strong desire to help people and because she loved the Red Cross mission.
When there’s an emergency, an accident or critical illness, the first thing people often need is blood — as a phlebotomist, Bazan is a vital part of making sure that blood supply is available.
“I feel grateful every day when I come home from work,” shared Bazan. “Even if I’m tired, I feel good; every day is different, and they are not always easy, but my heart always feels full. Life should be about helping others.”
Aug. 17, 2023. Carmela Bazan, Blood Collection Technician, at the American Red Cross Blood, Platelet and Plasma Donation Center in Burbank, CA. Photo by Mimi Teller/American Red Cross
Photo by Mimi Teller/American Red Cross
Before enlisting to be a phlebotomist with the American Red Cross, Philip Sola spent five years in the U.S. Army, first in infantry and then in logistics, serving two tours of duty in Afghanistan.
Following his honorable discharge, Sola was in the job market and answered an ad to be a Red Cross blood transportation driver. To his surprise, when he showed up for his interview it was instead for a blood collection technician position, which included a month of concentrated medical training.
Sola shared that his military training taught him the art of having patience and how to work under pressure – both skills he finds helpful with his blood collection work. While he enjoys the hands-on aspect of the job, it’s the human interaction and meeting new people he appreciates the most. According to Sola, his blood donors always come in with the best personal stories and advice on life.
“I was surprised when my interview turned out to be for a phlebotomist,” Sola said, “but I love what I do now and feel like it was meant to be. It’s something I never imagined I’d be doing.”
Aug. 17, 2023. Phillip Sola, Blood Collection Technician, at the American Red Cross Blood, Platelet and Plasma Donation Center in Burbank, CA. Photo by Mimi Teller/American Red Cross
Photo by Mimi Teller/American Red Cross
Brittany Morales is very new to both the American Red Cross and work as a blood technician. She had always wanted to be in the medical field but wasn’t sure if she had what it took and was slightly worried she might feel squeamish at the sight of blood.
In March 2023 she began her training and was soon on her way drawing whole blood products from volunteer donors. After two months drawing only whole blood, she expanded her knowledge base to drawing platelets and plasma.
So far so good for Morales — she assured us the sight of blood has not made her faint.
“What I like most about working for the Red Cross is the teamwork,” Morales said. “I’m still new to this field and feel very comfortable asking for support. I don’t feel anyone is judging me. We all want donors to have a great donation experience.”
Aug. 17, 2023. Brittany D. Morales, Blood Collection Technician, at the American Red Cross Blood, Platelet and Plasma Donation Center in Burbank, CA. Photo by Mimi Teller/American Red Cross
Photo by Mimi Teller/American Red Cross
Even though Htet Zan moved from Burma to the U.S. in his teens, it was early in March 2023 he found his calling as an American Red Cross blood technician.
While seeking work in the medical field, Zan came across the opportunity to train as a blood technician through the Red Cross. Knowing and trusting the organization’s reputation, Zan signed on the dotted line. After seven intense weeks, Zan was hard at work making a positive difference in the region’s blood supply.
Zan says he loves the people he gets to work with and that no matter the blood donation center, everyone is always very welcoming and eager to help. Zan also shared his appreciation for how well organized he finds his work environment.
“While I generally prefer to be a humble person,” Zan said with a proud grin. “I know that every time I walk into work, I am going to save lives.”
Aug. 17, 2023. Htet Zan consults with team supervisor Gabriela Balderas at the American Red Cross Blood, Platelet and Plasma Donation Center in Burbank, CA. Photo by Mimi Teller/American Red Cross
About blood donation
To donate blood, individuals need to bring a blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification that are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements. Those interested in donating can find a drive and schedule an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/la or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossLA.
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
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