Kimberly Foster works to recruit donors to the St. Jude Blood Donor Center.
A visit to the St. Jude Blood Donor Center can be as painless as a preschooler’s daily regimen: There’s time to recline in a padded chair while watching an entertaining movie, and everyone gets cookies and juice. It’s also a chance for employees to personally contribute to the treatment of St. Jude patients.
“You can watch a movie, have some snacks and know that you are able to give back to the kids at St. Jude,” said Kimberly Foster, Blood Donor Center recruiter.
There is no current substitute for human blood or platelets. The center helps ensure that patients always have access to blood products, which are frequently in short supply. All products collected in the center are used for patient needs at the hospital. At St. Jude, patients need 15 to 20 platelet donors daily.
Many St. Jude employees are longtime donors, who are happy to drop by the center if there is a shortage or cancellations. Eric Enemark, Ph.D., who works in Structural Biology, has been donating since he joined St. Jude in January 2009. He started by providing whole blood and soon switched to giving platelets, which takes about 90 minutes but allows him to get work done.
“I bring my computer with me and work,” Enemark said. “I know that my donations are going to patients who need it, and it’s something that is not too difficult for me to do to contribute.”
About 1,000 blood product transfusions are performed during a typical month at the hospital. The center collects about 200 units of platelets and 55 units of red blood cells each month.
Nancy Kornegay, who works in Pharmaceutical Sciences, has been donating platelets since 1993. She also takes a laptop with her.
“I feel like if you can give blood that you should find the time because it benefits our patients,” Kornegay said. “It’s easy for me to do, and I love the staff in the Blood Donor Center.”
Jake Slavish, PhD, who works in Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, donates every other week.
“The Blood Donor Center staff do an excellent job of making all the donors feel comfortable and will help you get over your fears and potential discomfort,” said Slavish, who has been donating since 2009.
Typically, anyone in good health who is at least 18 years of age and weighs at least 110 pounds may donate blood and platelets.
“If you live in the Memphis area, or know you will be visiting St. Jude, you can schedule an appointment to donate blood,” Foster said. “If you live outside the Memphis area, you are encouraged to donate blood at your local center for your immediate community.”
Read more inspiring stories
-
Preparing for a Pandemic
The staff at St. Jude go above and beyond to ensure patient and employee safety throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Read how St. Jude employees collaborate and innovate during this time.
-
Working like a dog: St. Jude Paws at Play celebrates six months of canine care
Brittany Reed and Shandra Taylor share their thoughts on how Puggle and Huckleberry have made an impact on the hospital and their lives. Read their reflections.
-
Journey to the Jude: Escaping war and poverty in his homeland, chef Johnny Siv develops culinary talents to feed the St. Jude community
After escaping the war-torn nation of his youth, chef Johnny Siv uses food to give back to the patients at St. Jude. Read more about his remarkable journey.
-
Tracing Martine Roussel’s independent streak from Africa to the National Academy of Sciences
Martine Roussel, PhD, is renowned for investigations into molecular-level causes of cancer and strategies in developing new treatments for pediatric brain tumors. Read about her journey.
-
Chaplain Kimberly Russell uses creative talent to adapt spiritual care board for St. Jude patients
Learn how St. Jude chaplain Kimberly Russell helps non-verbal patients communicate spiritual needs.
-
Welcoming all who enter
Janice Ivory has given out tens of thousands of smiles to the patients, staff and families of St. Jude over the last 32 years.
-
Celebrating Black History Month
We reflect on our heroes: doctors, patients and supporters who have been a part of our lifesaving mission.
-
Journey to the Jude: Inspired by global adventures, postdoc recruiter Deanna Tremblay seeks world-class scientists
Inspired by her global adventures, postdoc recruiter Deanna Tremblay of Academic Programs seeks world-class scientists.
-
Pediatric Cancer Genome Project sparks a decade of discovery
Leaders at St. Jude launched a bold initiative in 2010 to define the genomic landscape of pediatric cancer.
-
‘Tis the season for science: Elf rescue teaches students fun lesson
Patients in the St. Jude School Program used math and science to rescue stranded elves. Discover how they saved the holidays.
-
My Corner of the World: Regina Kolaitis, PhD
Scientist turned liaison Regina Kolaitis of the St. Jude Liaison Office explains the breadth and depth of hospital’s research efforts to a non-scientific audience.
-
Physical therapist grateful for her colleagues, opportunities after earning hospital’s highest staff honor
Amanda Curry received the hospital’s highest employee honor for her work with a new mobility program for patients. Discover why she thanks and credits her colleagues.
-
St. Jude talent experience advisor extends hospitality to job candidates and their families
From hospitality to human resources: Linda Smith of Human Resources changed careers to help St. Jude advance its mission.
-
Longtime employee shares story of personal, family military service
Seven years of U.S. Navy service helped prepare veteran Yvonne Carroll for her role as director of hematology patient services. Read her story.
-
Respiratory therapists are vital part of patient care
Respiratory therapists are emergency responders who assist patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders. Learn more about their role
Careers
At St. Jude, your career makes a difference. We offer outstanding opportunities in the basic and translational sciences, clinical research, patient care and many other areas for talented individuals.