“We show how much we appreciate them coming in to donate and tell them they’re a hero, because they are.”

Isis Kailimai and Lana Haynes have been drawing blood for just a few short months for the American Red Cross Michigan Region. Already they are finding that being a phlebotomist is a rewarding and fulfilling experience.

Isis, a resident of Harrison Township, has worked as a phlebotomist for seven months. Lana, a resident of Warren, joined the Red Cross in May. During a break at a recent blood drive they worked, they talked about how they’re contributing to the mission of the Red Cross.

“I like challenging work and thought this would be the perfect opportunity,” Isis said. “Every time someone comes in (to a blood drive), they could save a life. It doesn’t matter how small the drive is, as long as they come in, they’re making a huge impact in somebody’s life.”

In July, she donated blood for the first time and was notified by the Red Cross that her donation was used to help someone at Harper Hospital in Detroit. “I felt good about myself donating. It was pretty cool,” she said.

Isis is following in the footsteps of her mother who was a phlebotomist for five years for a local plasma center. She learned of the position through a friend’s mother who’s a Red Cross volunteer. “I always wanted to do this,” she said, adding that medical classes she took in high school prepped her for this opportunity.

Lana worked in what she described as “people-related jobs” before joining the Red Cross. But being a phlebotomist was unique and unlike her previous jobs. She learned about the opportunity after visiting a blood drive to donate, only to find out she couldn’t donate because she didn’t meet one of the eligibility requirements. “You can help in other ways,” Red Cross staff told her at the time and directed her to hiring opportunities online.