Blood drive workers aim to make donors comfortable, coming back to give again

Patience and a personality suited to working directly with the public are what Pat Smith, a blood drive team supervisor for the American Red Cross, uses in her job to keep donors coming back to give again.

Smith oversees 10 staff members during drives at high schools, colleges and other public venues.

During a drive hosted by fraternities and sororities at Southeast Missouri State University on campus Sunday, Smith stopped by beds frequently to check on donors and workers. In a position she has held for 10 years, Smith said she is viewed as a grandmother figure to many younger, first-time donors such as high school students. Making their first blood donation experience a good one is important, Smith said, so they will hopefully become a lifetime donor.

"I have been told I have a very calming voice, so I just try to explain to them what a good thing they are doing and try to make them feel comfortable and do my best to take care of them," she said.

Smith said with most first-time donors, a bad experience means they may not ever give blood again.

American Red Cross supervisor Pat Smith and mobile unit assistant Adam Rodgers process blood Sunday during a blood drive on the Southeast Missouri State University Campus. (Laura Simon)

"You want to go over everything beforehand with them and let them know what to expect. A lot of it is just the fear of the unknown. It's really just a little pinch of a needle."

A Red Cross mobile blood drive worker's day typically consists of an hour and a half of setup time, the duration of the drive and the 30 to 45 minutes after the last donor is finished to load blood and supplies for transport.

Pat Weber, who was working collecting blood Sunday, said she enjoys the medical field but the people she meets during drives are what she likes most about her job. Smith said most rewarding for her is meeting people and engaging in conversation to have them say how the the blood drive workers helped someone they know.

"I have met a lot of wonderful people, and I mean that sincerely," she said. "There is something to be said about helping mankind and in my own small way this is what I can do to help. We are collecting a product someone needs and there is no substitute for."

Smith said the most common reason she sees older individuals giving blood is that they have had a parent or children who at some time needed a blood transfusion.

American Red Cross mobile unit assistant Adam Rodgers processes blood Sunday, February 27, 2011 inside the University Center of Southeast Missouri State University. (Laura Simon)

"It made them think about how important and how good it is," Smith said.

The fraternities and sororities of Southeast Missouri State University are hosting a blood drive from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. today and Wednesday in the University Center Ballroom on the main campus as part of Greek Week events. The general public is welcome and encouraged to make an appointment before donating by visiting www.redcross.org.

Tips for blood donation

Before donating

* Get plenty of sleep the night before.

* Drink an extra glass of water.

* Eat something, but avoid foods high in fat and sugar.

* Wear comfortable clothing, especially a shirt which can be pushed above the elbow.

* Bring a photo ID and a list of all medications.

During donation

* Tell staff you have a preferred arm and show any good veins that have been used successfully in the past to draw blood.

* Relax and listen to music, or talk to a friend or a worker.

After donation

* Eat a snack, drink plenty of fluids and avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for at least five hours.

* Avoid smoking for one hour or drinking alcohol for five hours.