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In the nine years that Najma has worked as an interpreter at Mayo Clinic, she has witnessed how precious donated blood can be. It started early in her career, when she was assigned to a patient who needed blood products every other week. The patient was losing blood, and doctors couldn’t determine the cause. While the patient’s case was eventually resolved, it left Najma thinking about the importance of donated blood.
Another patient encounter that stands out in Najma’s mind is a time she interpreted for a mother whose two-hour-old baby required surgery and, consequently, would need blood to save its tiny life.
"Working in a hospital setting, I see, from a clinical side, how many people are in need of blood products," says Najma. "It inspires me to do what I can do help those in need."
To do her part, Najma donates blood regularly. She feels a sense of comfort in knowing that because of donors, blood will be available for her, for her family, and for anyone who might need blood someday. And every time Najma donates at the Mayo Clinic Blood Donor Center, the staff members remind her that a "single" unit may help multiple people.
Najma says, "After a donation, I feel proud and think to myself, ‘Hey, I gave something back to my community today.’ It’s a nice feeling to know you are contributing."
To read more stories like this go to Mayo Clinic Blood Donor Program's Blog Page.
How to Donate
For more information about donating blood in Rochester, Minnesota, call (507) 284-4475 or email donateblood@mayo.edu. Or visit our webpage http://www.mayoclinic.org/donateblood.
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