By Jenny Farley

Sarah Levetter has one trait that might make you wonder at first why she chose phlebotomy as her profession. 

“I’m terrified of needles,” she said. But that fear is her secret weapon to help people who want to donate blood. 

“Some people come in – they look terrified. So I manage to relax them.” She explains her fear to donors and says, “I got you. We’re gonna get through this.” 

Sarah said she “fell in love” with phlebotomy after starting the job for the Red Cross as a temp. Temporary became permanent after realizing she loved everything about the process, especially meeting new people at blood drives. 

“One of the volunteers calls me the happy dancing phlebotomist. I’m always smiling.” Sarah likes putting new donors, especially high schoolers, at ease. 

She remembered one donor who seemed nervous at first but after she helped him through the process she got the best news possible. 

“He said he is now a lifetime donor because his first experience went so well.”  

Sarah is thinking of becoming a nurse so she can know more about the medical issues that some donors have. In the meantime, she has a message for anyone who wants to give blood but might be afraid. 

“Let’s have some fun. We’re doing a good thing.” 

Editor’s Note: National #BloodCollectorsWeek is Sept. 3-9, 2023. Celebrate those who ensure donors have great experiences and patients get the blood they need. Schedule an appointment to donate blood!