RedCrossPhillyBlog

Category: Biomedical Services

  • Donation shortage puts stress on blood supply

    By Alana Mauger and Jackie Faiman

    Red Cross graphic: Heroes Needed Now! Schedule now: RedCrossBlood.org.

    A concerning shortfall in blood donations last month could stress the American Red Cross blood supply. The Red Cross collected over 26,000 fewer blood donations than needed in May to meet the needs of patients. The need for blood is constant, with someone needing a blood transfusion in the U.S. every two seconds. Platelet donors are especially needed at this time. The public can help ensure continuity for patients by making an appointment to give blood or platelets now and in the weeks ahead.

    World Blood Donor Day − June 14

    June 14 is World Blood Donor Day, a day meant to raise awareness of the need for a safe, diverse and stable blood supply and to recognize volunteer blood donors. This is the perfect time to give, especially for those who haven’t given in a while, or who have never given before.

    Regular blood donors, like Philadelphian Mary Frances Connelly, are crucial for helping patients. She remembers the event that moved her to become a donor. It was 1982 and she had just given birth to her daughter. During the difficult delivery, she received two units of blood which, she says, saved her life. As soon as she was able, she became a donor herself, paying forward the gratitude she felt for that gift. 

    “You just feel so good when you’re doing it, and you know that you’re making a difference in someone else’s life,” she said.  

    Gifts for Donors

    In thanks for taking time to help, all who come to give blood, platelets or plasma June 1-30 will receive a $10 gift card by email to a merchant of their choice. Those who come to give throughout June will also be automatically entered for a chance to win a backyard theater package. Details for both offers can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/June.

    Schedule an Appointment

    Help the Red Cross celebrate World Blood Donor Day and meet the critical needs of patients. Download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to schedule a time to give now.

    To make an appointment, simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

    Amplify Your Impact − Volunteer!  

    Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer blood donor ambassador at Red Cross blood drives. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check-in and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience.  

    Volunteers can also serve as transportation specialists, helping deliver blood from our collection sites throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey to our lab in Philadelphia for testing and processing and/or to deliver blood products from our lab to hospitals in the area using a Red Cross-owned vehicle. For more information and to apply for either position, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.  

  • Don’t wait to donate: Blood and platelet donors needed over Memorial Day weekend

    By Biomedical Communications

    Red Cross graphic: Blood donors needed now.

    The American Red Cross asks people to book a time to give blood or platelets now to address a recent drop in donation appointments that could lead to fewer transfusions for patients in the weeks ahead. Type O blood donors are especially needed to ensure a strong blood supply.

    The start of summer can shake up normal routines, but it’s important for donation appointments to stay on the calendar – especially as Memorial Day weekend approaches. More than 42 million Americans are expected to travel over the holiday, meaning fewer donors may be available to give. 

    Appointments are critical this week for people waiting for lifesaving care. Download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to schedule a time to give now.

    In thanks for making and keeping appointments, the Red Cross will help donors prepare for beach days and backyard fun as the season begins:

    • All who come to give through May 31 will receive an exclusive Red Cross beach towel, while supplies last.*
    • Donors in May will also be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to the 2023 MLB® All-Star Game® in Seattle, including two tickets to the 2023 MLB® All-Star Game® thanks to the support of Fanatics, round-trip airfare, four-night hotel accommodations, a $750 gift card and more.*
    • Those who come to give June 1-30 will receive a $10 gift card by email to a merchant of their choice. Plus, they’ll also be automatically entered for a chance to win a backyard theater package including a projector and screen, projector tripod, smokeless firepit, Adirondack chair set and a movie night snack package.^
    All who come to give through May 31 will receive an exclusive Red Cross beach towel, while supplies last.*

    Amplify your impact − volunteer!  

    Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer blood donor ambassador at Red Cross blood drives. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check-in and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience.  

    Volunteers can also serve as transportation specialists, playing a vital role in ensuring lifesaving blood products are delivered to nearby hospitals. For more information and to apply for either position, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.  

    *Terms apply. See RedCrossBlood.org/Fanatics for details.
    ^Terms apply. See RedCrossBlood.org/June for details.

  • Take action: Type O negative blood donors needed for emergencies

    By Biomedical Field Communications

    Red Cross graphic: Type O. Short supply; high demand.

    When every second counts, blood products can provide lifesaving care. The American Red Cross asks the public to give blood or platelets during Trauma Awareness Month in May to keep hospitals prepared for all transfusion needs, including emergencies. Type O negative blood donors are especially needed right now.

    The power of type O blood

    • Type O negative is the universal blood type and what emergency room personnel reach for when there is no time to determine a patient’s blood type in the most serious situations.
    • Type O positive blood is the most used blood type because it can be transfused to Rh-positive patients of any blood type.
    • Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body and are often given to trauma and surgery patients. Type O blood donors are ideal Power Red donors, which means they can safely donate two units of red blood cells during one donation. Now, more people are able to give a Power Red donation – the minimum height has changed to 5’3” for female donors.
    Red Cross graphic: A single car accident victim can use as many as 100 units of blood.

    Medical traumas can quickly deplete hospital blood banks. Once patients are stabilized and their blood type is determined, they will receive a matching blood type, so it’s important donors of all types give now and help save lives by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

    In thanks, all who come to give May 1-19 will receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. Plus, May 1-31, those who come to give will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to the 2023 MLB® All-Star Game® in Seattle. The getaway includes two tickets to the 2023 MLB® All-Star Game® thanks to the support of Fanatics, round-trip airfare, four-night hotel accommodations, a $750 gift card and more. Additionally, those who come to give May 20-31 will receive an exclusive Red Cross beach towel, while supplies last.*

    *Terms apply for all offers. See rcblood.org/team for details.

    Red Cross graphic: Team Red Cross Needs You.

  • Medical Laboratory Professionals Week: Get to know our team!

    In commemoration of Medical Laboratory Professions Week (April 23-29), meet some of our lab professionals in the Penn Jersey Blood Services Region!

    Marvin Oniate

    Marvin Oniate, Manager, Red Cross Immunohematology Reference Laboratory (IRL)

    Marvin Oniate is the manager at the Red Cross Immunohematology Reference Laboratory (IRL) in Philadelphia. He ensures the lab is running efficiently and meeting hospital customer needs. His IRL team works to find specific blood matches for patients with rare transfusion needs, including those with sickle cell disease. He frequently works on challenging and diverse patient cases and antigen requests from hospitals and transfusion services.

    Marvin began working at the Red Cross as a technologist and has been promoted into other roles. “The Red Cross offered opportunities to me, and they care about helping their employees develop and grow,” he shared. “The upper-level management are approachable and supportive.”

    Marvin enjoys the variety of work and the people he gets to work with.

    “I do my best as a manager to understand our team, their individual situations and then find solutions that best fit their needs,” he said.

    Djeneba Toure

    Djeneba Toure, Laboratory Assistant, National Reference Laboratory for Specialized Testing (NRLST) in Philadelphia.

    Meet Djeneba Toure, a laboratory assistant at the National Reference Laboratory for Specialized Testing (NRLST) in Philadelphia. She is responsible for receiving and processing blood samples, managing inventory of testing substances and laboratory supplies and archiving records.

    Djeneba first heard about opportunities at the Red Cross when she was studying in Geneva, Switzerland in 2004. One of her teachers often spoke about the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies movement founder Henri Dunant, and Djeneba developed an appreciation for the mission of the Red Cross. She served in the Peace Corps in Africa from 2008 to 2020 developing volunteer partnerships with non-governmental organizations, like the Red Cross.

    After moving to the US in 2020, she began volunteering with the Red Cross which led to a full-time position as a laboratory assistant. Djeneba loves her work at the Red Cross.

    “Blood is so precious, it’s life,” she said. “I meet wonderful people working here and it is a pleasant working atmosphere. It’s not about what I personally do; it’s about what we all do together, and I am grateful to contribute to that.”

    Yen Tran

    Yen Tran, Molecular Technologist II, National Molecular Laboratory (NML) in Philadelphia.

    Yen Tran is a molecular technologist at the National Molecular Laboratory (NML) in Philadelphia. In her work, Yen performs molecular genotyping of red blood cell antigens to find compatible donor matches for patients.

    Prior to coming to the Red Cross, she held a number of laboratory roles where she studied genes affecting drought tolerance in tomatoes, detected markers to measure progression of multiple myeloma in patients, and worked as a DNA analyst, among other roles.

    Yen loves that her work combines her interests while helping patients.

    “What I like most about my job is the opportunity to be involved in patient care while pursuing my interest in molecular lab work,” she said.

    Career Opportunities

    The American Red Cross has a variety of career opportunities in Laboratory Services and Manufacturing. To learn more about available roles, visit the career center at redcross.org.

  • Red Cross lab professionals, blood donors play a key role in health of diverse populations   

    By Alana Mauger

    CDC graphic: This composite image is a fictional collage of a broad spectrum of laboratory settings. Find out more at www.cdc.gov/labsystems.

    To build awareness around April as Minority Health Month and to commemorate Medical Laboratory Professionals Week (April 23-29), we’re highlighting the role American Red Cross Blood Services plays in treating diseases that disproportionately affect racial and ethnically diverse populations.

    Conditions like sickle cell disease, beta thalassemia major and maternal and infant mortality remain higher among communities of color. With blood transfusions remaining one of the most critical treatments for patients, having a strong and diverse blood supply is critical to improving the health of these populations and helping to save lives.

    Red Cross Laboratories

    The American Red Cross employs more than 2,200 laboratory and manufacturing team members who work at 146 labs and product distribution facilities across the country. Together, they process, test and distribute approximately 6.4 million blood products each year.

    Philadelphia is home to two national Red Cross laboratories – The National Reference Laboratory for Specialized Testing (NRLST) and The National Molecular Laboratory (NML) – as well as one of five Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) Testing Labs and one of 45 Immunohematology Reference Laboratories (IRL) in the U.S. All blood products collected in Southeastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware are processed in Philadelphia’s Manufacturing Lab, which is one of 22 in the country.

    Over the past year, Communications volunteers Judith Weeks and Bill Thawley introduced readers to the work of our labs and the technicians who do this work. Revisit their blog posts below:

    Sickle Cell Initiative

    In the U.S., it is estimated that more than 100,000 people have sickle cell disease, which distorts soft and round red blood cells and turns them hard and crescent shaped. As a result, blood has difficulty flowing smoothly and carrying oxygen to the rest of the body, which may lead to severe pain, tissue and organ damage, anemia, and even strokes.

    Patients with sickle cell disease, the majority of whom are of African, Latin and Mediterranean descent, may need blood transfusions throughout their lifetime, with some requiring closely compatible blood to avoid complications. In the Penn Jersey Blood Services Region, blood from donors who self-identify as Black or African-American is marked with a blue tie tag, designating it as a potential match for a sickle cell patient. Extra tests are performed to ensure recipients receive the right blood. This program was the first of its kind in the U.S. and has helped educate and recruit blood donors from diverse communities since 1999.

    To learn more about sickle cell disease, check out the following links:

    Red Cross graphic: ALL Blood Types Needed.

    Donate Blood

    Having a diverse blood supply is one way to ensure all patients have ongoing access to compatible blood transfusions. To make an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

  • National Volunteer Week: On the road with Bob Duaime

    By Judith Weeks

    Long-time Red Cross volunteer Bon Dumaine serves as a Blood Transportation Specialists. Photo by Judith Weeks / American Red Cross

    Transportation Specialist Bob Duaime has been delivering blood for the American Red Cross for 40 years!  “Blood is in my Blood” he proudly exclaims! 

    I wanted to learn more about what these dedicated drivers do and Bob invited me to join him on his run. I arrived at the loading dock at the American Red Cross Hub in Philadelphia and met Bob who was loading two large boxes containing platelets into a Red Cross Van. Today’s trip was from Philadelphia to St. Joseph Medical Center in Reading then on to the Hershey Medical Center, then back to Philadelphia. All in one day we traveled 210 miles in a little over 4 hours, one of the longer routes. Bob or another volunteer makes this trip every week.

    As we headed out from Philadelphia, I asked “how did you become involved with the Red Cross.”  He told me, in the 60’s his father regularly donated blood and it “stuck with him”.  His father’s employer gave employees time off to donate blood and donor’s families could receive blood when needed.

    Our first stop was St. Joseph Medical Center in Reading. Bob parked the van and loaded one box of platelets onto the hand truck and wheeled it to the Blood Bank. Cheerfully greeted by the supervisor, the units of platelets were logged in and placed in the storage refrigerator.

    Leaving St. Joseph Medical Center, Bob drove through beautiful farming country on the back highways to Hershey Medical Center. He delivered the box of platelets to the Blood Bank, logged in the delivery, picked up empty boxes and we returned to Philadelphia. A very pleasant trip!

    Bob Duaime delivers blood to hospital blood bank in the Red Cross Penn Jersey Blood Services Region. Photo by Judith Weeks / American Red Cross

    Bob has delivered blood from Newark New Jersey to Newark Delaware, and from Hershey Pennsylvania to the eastern shore of New Jersey. For Bob, “representing American Red Cross Blood Services, I feel so appreciated when making a delivery”. He enjoys driving and visiting all the locations and hospitals. Most of his volunteer time is completed in solitary settings. Satisfaction is unique because he works by himself, “under the radar.”

    Bob is remarkable because he volunteers for many organizations! He is a retired math teacher, tutoring high school students and teaching math at Bensalem’s Holy Ghost Prep School. Among his many activities, he is proud to have been a founder of an overnight camping program for children at risk. Bob, one of nine children, was raised in Northeast Philadelphia in a traditionally sized one and one half bath, three bedroom Philadelphia house!

    The American Red Cross needs Transportation Specialists NOW!

    The American Red Cross Penn-Jersey Blood Services Region is one of the larger, covering New Jersey, Southeastern Pennsylvania and Delaware.  For James Leahy, Red Cross transportation coordinator in Pennsylvania, “the challenge right now is filling the hospital delivery shifts”.

    Volunteers can choose the days and times that work at their convenience on their timetable.  “We do our best to work with the volunteer’s schedule adjusting to meet their needs.” adds James. If you want to be a member of this team who brings life-saving blood to someone who needs it, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.

    Editor’s Note: We’ll be profiling outstanding Red Cross volunteers throughout National Volunteer Week April 16-22. Be sure to check back daily!

  • Red Cross, 6abc partner for third annual blood drive

    By Alana Mauger

    Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania CEO Guy Triano with 6abc reporter Beccah Hendrickson during the third annual 6abc Red Cross Month blood drive on March 29. Photo by Alana Mauger / American Red Cross.

    The American Red Cross and 6abc held their third annual Red Cross Month blood drive on March 29, adding a second South Jersey location and collecting the most blood to date.

    Two hundred eighteen people came out to donate at the drives, which were held at Courtyard by Marriott in the Wynnefield section of Philadelphia and at the Collingswood Grant Ballroom and Scottish Rite Auditorium in Collingswood, New Jersey. Together, the drives collected 214 units – 72 more than last year.

    President and General Manager Bernie Prezenika was among the many 6abc staff who made time to donate.

    “We have a big megaphone at 6abc and Action News, and we try to use it to do some good. I think it’s wonderful to partner with the Red Cross and the community to do something that we know will save lives,” said Prazenica.

    Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania CEO Guy Triano was also on hand throughout the day in Philadelphia to greet and thank donors.

    “We’re really trying to get as many units of blood on our shelves as we approach the spring and the summertime, where we know the shelves get a little bit bare,” he shared.

    Action News Reporter Beccah Hendrickson and Photographer Ian Dorety spoke with many donors who generously rolled up their sleeves. They even took a break and donated themselves, proudly sporting their red donation bandages for the remainder of the event.

    Beccah also produced several pieces leading up to the drive to build awareness about the need for donations.

    One of those pieces featured 83-year-old sickle cell warrior Joan Lambright, who credits blood transfusions for continuing to save her life. Erika Jenkins, who has friends with sickle cell disease, saw that story air a week before the drive and was inspired to schedule a donation appointment, even though she had never given blood before.

    “I think it’s blood that helped [Joan] live,” she said. When asked how her first donation went, Erika replied, “it was really good – a really cool experience. I will do it again.”

    Video: 6abc’s news story about sickle cell warrior Joan Lambright, which aired on March 21, 2023.

    For Beccah’s second story, she interviewed Kayleigh Summers, who received an astounding 143 units of blood after suffering an amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) during the birth of her son Callahan, who is almost 4.

    “They truly believed that I could survive this, and they just kept giving me blood and giving me blood to sustain and to keep me alive. And 143 units later, that’s exactly what they did,” she shared.

    Video: 6abc’s story about Kayleigh Summers, which aired on March 28, 2023.

    Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. It is essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. Whether a patient receives whole blood, red cells, platelets or plasma, this lifesaving care starts with one person making a generous donation. Schedule a blood donation appointment at RedCrossBlood.org.

    Editor’s Update: Joan Lambright sadly passed away on Aug. 10, 2023. Our hearts go out to Joan’s family and friends and to the many people she inspired.

  • Red Cross and PEANUTS®: Be Kind, Give Blood or Platelets in April

    By Biomedical Field Communications

    Be cool. Give blood.

    April is National Volunteer Month, and the American Red Cross is celebrating the millions of people who volunteer to give blood, platelets and plasma throughout the year. This month, the Red Cross and PEANUTS® are joining forces as a reminder that it’s cool to be kind and help save lives.

    Don’t wait until there’s a crisis to give – donors of all blood types, especially type O blood donors and those giving platelets – are needed now to keep the blood supply strong enough to support critical patient care all season long.

    People coming together to care for one another is the humanitarian spirit shared by the Red Cross community and PEANUTS. Donors are encouraged to take a page from the comic strips that have charmed generations and take care of one another by making a blood or platelet donation.

    Book a time to give by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

    As a thank-you, all who come to give April 1-23 will receive an exclusive Red Cross and PEANUTS T-shirt featuring Snoopy as the coolest beagle in town, Joe Cool, while supplies last.* Those who come to give April 1-30 will be automatically entered for a chance to win a three-night trip for two to Sonoma County, California. This getaway includes flights, hotel, a $1,000 gift card and special tours of the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Snoopy’s Home Ice, courtesy of Peanuts Worldwide.​​​​​​​​​​​​

    Amplify your impact − volunteer!  

    Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer blood donor ambassador at Red Cross blood drives. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check-in and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience.  

    Volunteers can also serve as transportation specialists, playing a vital role in ensuring lifesaving blood products are delivered to nearby hospitals. For more information and to apply for either position, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.  

  • National Phlebotomists Recognition Week: Michaela Uebelhoer

    By Alana Mauger

    Red Cross donor collections assistant Michaela Uebelhoer. Submitted photo

    Michaela Uebelhoer was working as a nanny when she decided to make a change. Wanting to do something in health care and looking for a job that could help her save money for nursing school, she was “ecstatic” to learn the American Red Cross trains phlebotomists with no prior experience.

    “It’s a perfect fit for me,” she shared. “I love going to new places, exploring new towns and meeting new people from all walks of life.”

    Michaela has advice for those, like her, who come to the Red Cross without prior phlebotomy experience.

    “There’s a big learning curve if you’re coming from an unrelated job. It can be a lot to take in at first, but it’s so incredibly rewarding,” she said. “I absolutely love my job; I love working for the Red Cross.”

    Her enthusiasm has not diminished in the 3 ½ years she has worked as a Red Cross donor collections assistant. That role takes her to blood drives all over Southeastern Pennsylvania.

    Michaela encourages those who are nervous about donating blood for the first time to “come in and try it.”

    “Don’t be nervous about being nervous,” she said. “We love doing our jobs. We’ll get you through.”

  • National Phlebotomists Recognition Week: Satreia Melton

    By Alana Mauger

    Collections Supervisor Satreia Melton. Photo by Alana Mauger/American Red Cross

    Satreia Melton left the field of banking 23 years ago to become a phlebotomist, and she hasn’t looked back.

    “I like being challenged at work. Every vein is not the same, so phlebotomy always challenges me,” she shared.

    She came to the American Red Cross 8 years ago because of the organization’s reputation and worked her way up to collections supervisor a year and a half ago.

    “I love my job, love what I do,” she said. “Every day is a new day. Every day is a new experience.”

    Satreia is passionate about saving lives; she’s also passionate about educating donors, especially about sickle cell disease and the Red Cross’ sickle cell initiative.

    Blood donations from individuals who are Black play a vital role in meeting the broader transfusion needs of patients. In the Penn-Jersey 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.

    “I educate every donor who comes in that is of African American descent. 99.9% of the people don’t even know about the [sickle cell] program,” she said. “Many, once educated, want to come back and donate more often.”

    In addition to knowing she’s helping to save lives, the variety in her workday keeps Satreia motivated.

    “It’s awesome being in a different place every day,” she said. “You meet different people from all walks of life. You get a life lesson every day.”

    When she’s not at work, Satreia enjoys spending time with her family, including her four children, who range in age from 16 to 30, and two grandchildren, both age 3.