Story told by Bella Fiorenza, Red Cross Volunteer 

The American Red Cross of South Carolina is celebrating National Phlebotomists Recognition Week, Feb. 12-16, by honoring the dedicated team of blood collection professionals who play a critical role in helping ensure lifesaving blood is available to patients in need. As the single largest blood supplier in the country, the Red Cross collects, processes and distributes about 40% of the nation's blood supply.

"This would not be possible without the hard work of our dedicated phlebotomists," said Scott Brown, Regional Donor Services Executive for the Red Cross of South Carolina. "Phlebotomy professionals ensure blood draws go smoothly and safely while interacting with and supporting the donors. They are a vital connection between blood donors and the recipients of lifesaving transfusions."  

Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. National Phlebotomists Recognition Week comes as the Red Cross continues to experience an emergency blood shortage. Blood and platelet donations are needed now to help alleviate the shortage and ensure lifesaving medical procedures are not delayed. 

Tabitha Melton began her career with the American Red Cross 11 years ago. She started on the Myrtle Beach and Florence mobile sites and later transferred to the Myrtle Beach Fixed Site, where her passion for blood donation continued to grow. 

"My initial desire to work for the American Red Cross came 25 years ago after my very first blood donation with what I felt was just a simple act, yet a rewarding one because I had just helped someone in need," said Tabitha. 

Tabitha had gone on to work different jobs after her first donation, but the feeling of giving from her heart left a lingering impression. 

"That desire to feel that feeling every day never left me," Tabitha describes her desire to join the Red Cross. "I have met a lot of donors over the years, and many have thanked me for all I do, but I quickly respond, 'I can't do it without you, the donor,' because as rewarding as it is, the need is much greater." 

Kaelyn Hernandez is a phlebotomist with the Red Cross, and she is about to celebrate her fifth anniversary in April. She moved to South Carolina from Nebraska and claimed every move led her to the Red Cross. Kaelyn started her phlebotomist career with the Myrtle Beach mobile collections unit, bringing blood drives directly to donors, and now works at the fixed-site donor center in Myrtle Beach. 

"I don't believe I chose American Red Cross; it chose me!" said Kaelyn. "I love knowing I'm helping someone's loved one spend more time with their family, and not everyone gets that time; knowing I can make a difference makes me show up every day with a smile."

Lemont Leonard has been a phlebotomist with the American Red Cross for 25 years. He currently works at the Columbia fixed site and loves his job. Lemont chose this career path because he wants to help people, and this is one of the best ways to do so.

"I chose the Red Cross because I wanted to be a part of an organization that gives back to the community," Lemont says. "I was always interested in healthcare and found phlebotomy particularly fascinating because it combines technical skills with patients. That is why I chose phlebotomy." 

Support your community by giving blood and time. 

• Schedule a blood donation appointment today by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
• Become a volunteer blood donor ambassador at Red Cross blood drives, helping greet, check in, and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience. 
• Or become a transportation specialist, playing a vital role in ensuring lifesaving blood products are delivered to hospitals. For more information and to sign up to volunteer, visit RedCross.org/volunteertoday.