Bloodworks 101

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message All summer, Bloodworks Northwest has been reaching out to pet owners through our Give Blood Rescue a Human campaign. Today, you're going to meet a young woman named Leah Penney from the Neko Cat Cafe on Seattle's Capitol Hill. Leah has a very personal reason for why he's a part of the campaign. In fact, as Bloodworks 101 Producer John Yeager found out, if it weren't for blood donors ... Well, we'll let Leah tell you that part of the story. 

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message There's a common misconception that when you adopt a pet, you're saving that animal's life. It's a one-way street, right? Well, at the Portland Humane Society, Jim Nelson can tell you that pets give us so much in return. On this edition of Bloodworks 101, Jim and Oregon Humane Society's Laura Klink tell producer John Yeager about that strong bond between people and their pets that's such a big part of our Give Blood Rescue a Human campaign. 

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message When something at a Blood Center needs maintenance, you can't just slap some duct tape on it and call it good — the FDA does not like that. That's where Cassy Alaire comes in. Cassy and the Quality Control team at Bloodworks ensure that all of our equipment meets the rigorous standards needed to collect blood for local patients. 

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message June 14 is World Blood Donor Day, and while giving blood looks a little different, no matter where in the world you are donating, much is the same, too. There’s always a need, no matter what language you speak or what snacks you eat in the canteen. In this episode, you'll hear from two donors covering three continents. 

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message June is National Gun Violence Awareness Month. And there are few people moree aware of gun violence than Tualatin City Councillor Maria Reyes. When the City Council met a while back, an official proclamation was read, honoring Bloodworks Northwest. On these occasions, there's usually a lot of pomp and bluster. Official proclamations can often go on and on. But little did those attending the meeting know, this official proclamation hit Councilor Maria Reyes hard. As she tells Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager, that's because this proclamation took Maria back to the worst day of her life but also to the ninety people who were there for her when that life hung in the balance.

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message What do you do when your child starts acting "differently"? When you just know something's wrong. That was the grim prospect Tigard, Oregon's Anna Kervers faced a few years back when her son, Theo was diagnosed with leukemia. Anna shared her story with Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager. We're calling it "When Your Life Just Stops."  

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message Right now, Bloodworks Northwest is embarking upon a new awareness campaign we're calling "Give Blood, Rescue a Human." It emphasizes the powerful bond between people and their pets and the lifesaving act of blood donation. If you want evidence of that powerful bond, just ask Dylan Smith and Jake Cole, both who work for Bloodworks Northwest in the Portland area. That's what Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager did. But wait til you hear the answers that he got. 

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message It seems like everyone has a reason why they donate blood. For Brandon Macz, with Seattle Humane, it's personal. Bloodworks 101 Producer John Yeager caught up with Brandon as he was sharing his story during his recent blood donation at the Bloodworks Seattle Central Donor Center on Seattle's First Hill. 

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message Susan Gallotte may not have donated gallons upon gallons, but what she gives is perhaps the most intense type of blood donation of all: mobilized blood forming stem cells for research. For Susan, it all goes back to her mom and her fight against cancer.Learn more about mobilized blood forming stem cells

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message In a couple weeks, Bloodworks Northwest will launch a new campaign that celebrates the powerful bond between people and their pets and the lifesaving power of blood donation. You'll hear plenty about that as the summer approaches. But today, Bloodworks 101 Producer John Yeager introduces us to a amazing platelet donor in the in the Portland area who enjoys that powerful bond between her and her dog, Tigger. But she also knows firsthand, how blood donation can save lives. For Sharon Sferrazza, it's personal.