By Tim Poe, American Red Cross volunteer

Among the cots and bustle of an American Red Cross blood drive, Linda King assisted donors and a newer phlebotomist when a long-time donor waved her over. When Linda approached the donor, whom she had known for years, the lady smiled and said, “You’re the mom. You’re such a mom.” Linda replied, “I know.”

Linda is happy to take on the role as “mom” to the many blood collectors she has helped over her 23+ years with the Red Cross as an on-the-job instructor[1]  and phlebotomist. “I love seeing new staff gain competence and flourish,” Linda said. She has also developed friendships with many donors, volunteers and others.

“I love it. I have the best job at the Red Cross,” Linda said.

As the Red Cross collects about 40% of the nation’s blood supply, blood collectors are vitally important to our mission. They take part in about 500 blood drives across the U.S. each day, helping ensure blood products are available whenever and wherever they are needed.

To help commemorate Blood Collectors Week, September 6-12,
I spoke to Linda about her experience at the forefront of one of the Red Cross’s core missions.

Linda’s Red Cross career began with a blood donor’s suggestion. “I was fresh out of classes when a friend who donated blood recommended I consider the Red Cross,” Linda said. Even while undergoing training, Linda knew she wanted to teach. Once she had five years’ experience as a phlebotomist, she also became an instructor.

Linda speaks highly of the many wonderful people she has met, including fellow Red Cross staff members, volunteers, blood donors and those she has met through travels to blood drives and Red Cross facilities. “It’s how I met my husband,” Linda said. They met when Linda was traveling to teach in Cleveland. He is also a blood donor.

Linda especially loves seeing those she trained take flight and continue their careers.

I asked Linda about her experience during blood emergencies. “The recent emergency was very well managed,” Linda said. “We saw a lot of new donors as well as the return of many who hadn’t donated for years.”

Linda also said that, in a blood emergency, she often sees nurses and blood bank staff members donating blood. “They see the effects of a blood emergency firsthand, like surgeries being postponed because there isn’t enough blood,” Linda said.

I asked Linda what she tells those interested in a blood collector career with the Red Cross. She said, “It’s a great job. As I say, I have the best job here. You get to travel, meet people, go to awesome places and meet a lot of repeat donors. The job has been wonderful.”

To those considering donating, Linda said, “Definitely give it a chance. It is so streamlined now, donors can answer the required[2]  questions at home and taking vitals is much quicker.” She also said that each day, a donor who hasn’t donated in a while expresses happiness that the finger prick for a hemoglobin check is no longer needed. “About 90% said it was the worst part,” she said.

Linda and her husband also enjoy camping, and traveling throughout our region helps them discover interesting towns and places. She is also an avid reader.

To schedule a blood donation, please visit RedCrossBlood.org.

To learn more about joining the American Red Cross in blood collection or other lines of service, visit RedCross.org.

Edited by Glenda Bogar, American Red Cross volunteer