Behind the Scenes at Blood Centers: Insights from Mandy Brajuha
The blood center does so much more than you and I even know...there's a lot of behind the scenes things with our laboratories, with our services, that a lot of folks just don't recognize.
Ever wondered what really happens at your local blood center? Dr. Quentin Moore dives into this intriguing topic with Mandy Brajuha, the Director of Marketing and Recruitment at the Kentucky Blood Center. Mandy pulls back the curtain on the extensive services that blood centers provide, which go far beyond just collecting blood. From intricate lab work to precise genotype matching, there's a lot more going on than meets the eye.
She also highlights the importance of different types of donations, such as whole blood and platelets, and why staying hydrated and well-nourished is crucial for donors. The episode doesn't shy away from discussing the challenges blood centers face, including the constant need for more donors, especially those with type O blood. During the pandemic, many families started donating together, setting a positive example for younger generations.
Mandy shares how blood centers adapted to pandemic-related hurdles by training staff to handle new products and leveraging online tools to streamline the donation process. If you've ever thought about getting involved, Mandy outlines several ways you can help, whether by donating blood, volunteering, or participating in blood drives. This episode offers a fascinating look into the vital role blood centers play in healthcare and community support. Tune in to learn how you can make a difference.