By: Doyle Rader
American Red Cross phlebotomists are the smiling faces on the front lines of our blood collection efforts. If you’ve donated blood recently or are a regular donor in the North Texas Region, you’ve likely met a few of our blood whisperers as they guide you through the donation process from start to finish.
Phlebotomists are blood specialists. They collect blood and blood platelets while helping to ensure a positive donor experience at every blood drive. Tonya and Jennifer, two of our phlebotomists in North Texas, are just some of the many medical professionals working for the Red Cross.
“I feel like this job is a big responsibility,” says Tonya. “You have a huge responsibility, not just to come to work every day, but to follow the procedures and everything. It's all about saving lives.”
Tonya knew that she wanted something more out of her work life when she applied with the Red Cross. Becoming a phlebotomist allows her to have that sense of satisfaction, knowing that the blood she helps collect can make a difference in someone’s life. It’s something that’s personal to her.
“I've had two blood transfusions myself, and I wouldn't be here without it,” she says. “So, I felt like it was perfect for me.”
One blood donation can save more than one life. After a donation is complete, our phlebotomists keep the blood on ice, the first step in its journey from donor to patient, before it is taken to Red Cross labs and processing centers. Here it is tested and separated before Red Cross employees and volunteers transport it hospitals.
While there’s a sense of altruism in donating blood, many people who give do so because a loved one needed blood during an emergency or prolonged health scare. It’s these donor backstories that give Jennifer a greater sense of purpose when she goes to work each day.
“A donor recently just came in, and he said he donates once a year because his daughter has had leukemia twice,” Jennifer says. “She got rid of it and then it came back. So, that's why he does it, to support her. It's stories like that that makes me look at life and just realize that I'm in a position to help people.”
To a person, Red Cross phlebotomists understand the importance of their lifesaving work. They also know that it wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of everyday people, like you, taking a few minutes out of their day to roll up their sleeves and donate blood.
“It's important because if you can help someone, then help someone,” Jennifer says. “We've all been given special talents, and most of them can't be seen. But donating blood is like a lifetime reward. You get to do it a lot, not just once a year.”
Visit redcrossblood.org to find a blood drive near you, schedule an appointment and come see our amazing phlebotomists in action.