Donating Blood Is One Way to “Give Back” to Patients in Need

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Jul 20, 2017 | Alyssa Frank | @alyssafrank

For Jennifer Quam, an Associate Project Manager in Mayo Validation Support Services, donating blood is the same as going to work every day—it’s just something she does. Quam has been a blood donor at Mayo Clinic in Rochester for as long as she has been an employee—more than 14 years.

When asked why she donates blood, Quam says,
“I donate because I can. Since I don’t work directly with patients every day, it is a way that I can still give back to patients—hopefully making a difference in someone’s life.”
Making the Connection
Quam also has a personal connection to blood donation. Many of her friends or their children have been recipients of blood transfusions.

“My son was born prematurely, but he did not need a transfusion,” says Quam. “I know, however, that many new mothers and newborns need blood—and that’s why I make sure to donate as often as I can.”

Mayo’s Policy on Blood Donation
What might keep someone from donating? Quam says, “I don’t think some employees realize that Mayo encourages staff to donate during their work hours. If your work unit will be 100% operational while you’re away for that hour, you are allowed time to donate.”

In reality, only 18% of Mayo Clinic staff donate blood, and this number has decreased from recent years. Mayo Clinic’s policy on blood donation during work time states that an employee can receive up to one hour of PTO to donate blood.

How to Donate
For more information about donating blood in Olmsted County in Rochester, Minnesota, call (507) 284-4475 or email donateblood@mayo.edu. For more information about the Mayo Clinic Blood Donor Center, visit http://www.mayoclinic.org/donateblood or like the center on Facebook.