Editor’s Note: To commemorate Phlebotomists Recognition Week, we’re highlighting select American Red Cross phlebotomists. These valuable team members carry out all aspects of the blood collection process while ensuring donors have a safe and welcoming experience.

By Alana Mauger

When Theresa Morgan began her phlebotomy training at the American Red Cross in May 2022, she couldn’t have predicted that blood transfusions would help save her life a few months later.

Unknown to her doctors, the abdominal pain Theresa was experiencing after a car accident turned out to be from a rapidly growing tumor on her kidney. One day it ruptured, and her body went into sepsis. She received 8 units of blood.

Afterward, Theresa returned to work with a renewed focus.

“I love the fact that I can explain to the donors how their donations impact and help people in hospitals. I like sharing my story. I tell them how much I appreciate them coming out,” she said. “One of those people I stuck could have been the one to help me!”

A year ago, Theresa was promoted from donor collections assistant to collections specialist II or “charge,” which means she is responsible for all blood collection activities at assigned blood drives.

She’s driven to collect as much blood as possible, all while providing donors with a positive experience. Theresa is also focused on educating Black and African American donors about how their blood can help individuals living with sickle cell disease.

In the Southeastern Pennsylvania blood region, blood from donors who self-identify as Black is marked with a blue tag, designating it as a potential match for a sickle cell patient. For many people with sickle cell disease, closely-matched blood transfusions are lifesaving.

“I stress to my team, it’s so important to mark that blood with a blue tag,” she said. “I make sure we have blue tags at all of my drives.”

A natural caregiver, Theresa worked as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) for three years before coming to the Red Cross. She’s currently halfway through her studies at Montgomery County Community College on her way to becoming a registered nurse (RN).