By Tammy Sue Struble
Brenda Carlson learned from example. When she was young, Carlson used to go with her mom when she donated blood. Now, she hopes people can be that example her mom was – donating blood and saving lives.
“I’ve never received an award like this before,” Carlson stated after being honored with Donor Chairperson of the year for the Zephyrhills, Dade City and San Antonio area for BloodNet USA.
On Thursday, Jan. 13, Carlson was one of a handful of chairpersons awarded for their successful blood drives over the last year at the 26th Annual Donor Chairperson Luncheon held by BloodNet USA at the Lakeland Center.
The Health Academy Instructor at Zephyrhills High School, Carlson helps direct two large blood drives at the high school each year.
“Our Health Academy students lead the drives,” which helps give the students practical and helpful experience, she said. Carlson explained that they usually get about 200 students per drive to donate blood. The students who donate blood get wheeled back to their classrooms in wheelchairs.
“The next (Zephyrhills High) student blood drive is in April and I hope it is the most successful we’ve ever had,” Carlson said.
Charles “Buddy” Franklin, Blood Chairman for the Zephyrhills Moose Family Center also attended the BloodNet luncheon; he tries to have a blood drive five to six times a year. “Every 56 days you can donate blood,” explained Franklin.
According to Executive Vice President J.B. Gaskins from BloodNet, “Over 47,000 units of blood were collected in (this) Lakeland region in 2010.” BloodNet USA says that each unit will save three lives.
For more information logon to www.BloodNetUSA.com or contact area representative Cheryl Thompson at (813) 714-3270 to start your own blood drive.
