Tag Archives: phlebotomist

Celebrating National Phlebotomists Week

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Recognizing the men and women who collect lifesaving blood

By Eilene Guy, American Red Cross volunteer

One of the key activities of the American Red Cross is collecting, testing and distributing blood for trauma victims, cancer and sickle cell “warriors” and others in need of critical treatment.

Phlebotomists – the men and women who skillfully slide needles into arms – are vital connections between our blood donors and those who need lifesaving transfusions.

This week, the Red Cross salutes its 5,500 team members across the country who collect nearly 2.5 million blood and platelet donations each year.

If you have trouble wrapping your mind around the word “phlebotomist,” just relax and picture Safeyyah Edwards in her deep red and black scrubs, gently but efficiently preparing a donor for their “pinch.”

Safeyyah Edwards

Safeyyah has been drawing blood for 23 years for the Red Cross and she values the donor/friends she’s made at the Cleveland blood, platelet and plasma donation center.

“We refer to them as ‘my donor.’ They become like family. We hear their stories, we hear why they donate; we see pictures of their kids, events in their lives.”

“Phlebotomists help people help people,” Safeyyah says, referring to the fact that trained professionals like her make it possible for donors to give the gift of life, mostly for people they don’t even know.

“I am just in awe,” she says respectfully. “Some people are just terrified when they come for the first time, but they want to donate; they want to save lives.

“We do have good people out there.”

Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. As the provider of nearly half of the nation’s blood supply, the Red Cross relies on phlebotomists to help fill that need. They strive to give volunteer donors a safe and positive experience while ensuring that blood is collected properly for the safety of recipients.

Safeyyah and her fellow professionals – You wouldn’t want to trust a blood draw or transfusion needle to an amateur, would you? – are especially crucial at a time like this: Seasonal illnesses and extreme weather events have cancelled hundreds of blood drives, leading to a nationwide blood emergency.

In the 31 counties of the northern Ohio region, the Red Cross needs to collect some 500 donations a week to meet the needs of more than 70 local hospitals.

To make an appointment to donate at a Red Cross blood drive near you, go online to redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

And if you’re interested in a rewarding role in the medical field, the Red Cross offers training to become a certified phlebotomist. This link will take you to a variety of career opportunities in blood collection: https://www.redcross.org/about-us/careers/pbjob-types/blood-collection.html

Recognizing Red Cross phlebotomists during National Blood Collectors Week

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By Christy Peters, American Red Cross Regional Communications Manager

Often, when I tell someone I work for the American Red Cross, I get one of two responses. The first is usually a story about how the Red Cross helped the person or someone they knew. The second reaction is an immediate explanation of how the person really wants to give blood but they’re nervous and they just don’t think they could ever do that.

I can make you feel better right now if you happen to be one of those people who’s never given blood. I didn’t start giving until I began working for the Red Cross and, even then, it took me a really long time to finally do it. What’s even worse? A big part of my job is talking about why we need more people to give! So, what made me finally take the plunge? Getting to know the amazing phlebotomists at the Red Cross.

I recently gave my 12th pint of blood and, as always, I was nervous as I went through the process. But I was lucky because that day, La’shawn Sims was my phlebotomist. She was incredible…funny, kind, enthusiastic and she calmed my nerves immediately. La’shawn has been with the Red Cross for three years as a phlebotomist/driver.

Red Cross Northern Ohio phlebotomist La’shawn Sims prepares blood products for transport during a blood drive at University Hospitals in Cleveland.

“I love my job because of its mission, the ability to help others save lives,” said La’shawn. “I love listening to the donors and the reasons why they donate.”

September 4-10 is National Blood Collectors Week, a time to recognize the amazing work done every single day at the Red Cross by phlebotomists like La’shawn. In the Northern Ohio Region nearly 100 individuals work in this role, helping to collect blood in communities across the Region. The position requires an individual to complete weeks of specific Red Cross training, both in the classroom and on the job, prior to working independently.

Northern Ohio phlebotomist Ariel Blanks prepares to draw blood from Martha Liechty at the 2022 Cleveland Browns Blood Drive

In addition to collecting blood, many staff members drive Red Cross trucks loaded with the equipment needed to set up and run a successful blood drive. The driver role often requires first heading to Regional headquarters in downtown Cleveland, loading the truck and then driving it to the blood drive location. Phlebotomists can also take additional training to learn how to collect Power Red or platelet donations, which require a different process than whole blood collection. Above all else, these individuals are the face of the Red Cross, helping donors through the blood donation process, ensuring a positive experience and hopefully, a lifetime of blood donations.

During National Blood Collectors Week, we give thanks to you – all the phlebotomists who are on the front lines each day, ensuring patients have the blood they need. And, even if you’re nervous like me, La’shawn encourages everyone to donate blood.

“It only takes 30 minutes of your time, and you’ll help save three lives with just one pint.” And, whether it’s La’shawn, or another great Northern Ohio collections staff member, you can know you’ll be in great hands.