Bloodworks 101

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. 

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message This podcast is designed to inspire you to donate either time, money of blood. That's what we say every episode. Well today, you're going to meet someone who devotes a lot of time to the lifesaving work done here at Bloodworks. Her name is Adelyn Emil and as Bloodworks 101 Producer John Yeager found out, the volunteer work she does for Bloodworks is designed to prepare bystanders to step in and help accident or shooting victims in the precious moments before EMTs arrive.   

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message For many high schoolers, donating blood is a rite of passage, something cool you can do when you turn 16. For Grayson Goodman, it's more like a calling: blood donation means a lot to the Goodman family. After all, donated blood gave Grayson's dad, Hunter, more years with his family. 

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message Persistence pays off. Want proof? Just ask Dr. Joanne Thambuswamy, a persistent person if there ever was one. But she's also a platelet donor. And as Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager tells us, Joanne is now planning to go somewhere amazing simply because she refused to give up.  

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message As anyone who's seen an idea become a piece of legislation and they'll tell you it takes a lot of work by a lot of people, especially in deeply divided political times like these. But as Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager found out, there's action in the Washington State Legislature right now that has broad appeal across party lines. John spoke to Bloodworks' Director of Government Affairs, Juan Cotto about two bills that look pretty promising.

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message At Bloodworks, we like to say that platelets are "golden." Why? well, as Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager found out, it's because they have such an impact on the people who receive them. But it's also because of the time and sacrifice it takes to produce them. For this edition, John spoke to Bloodworks' Senior Product Strategy Manager Kyle Boynton. 

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message As a tech-savvy marketer, blood donor Mike Burlin likes to automate his donations as much as possible. Which hasn't always been the case: after his dad was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), blood and stem cell donation were often on Mike's mind. Schedule your next blood donation: donate.bloodworksnw.orgLearn more about cord blood donation: bloodworksnw.org/cordbloodJoin the bone marrow registry: nmdp.org

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message We often think of blood transfusion in units, or pints of blood. But that's not always the case. Sometimes it can be just a matter of a few tablespoons as Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager found out when he paid a visit to the Library Director at the North Plains Public Library near Portland. 

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message We've all heard the expression, "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." Well, Seattle's Rebecca Kasper knows what can happen when you apply that expression to say ... the attempt to donate blood. And as she told Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager, what happened when Rebecca refused to give up is something that she'll never forget. 

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message The new federal administration has issued a number of wide-ranging executive orders and policy changes that directly impact the Bloodworks Research Institute in Seattle. Just how important is the work done at the Research Institute? Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager spoke to Dr. Jose Lopez, the Research Institute's Chief Scientific Officer. 

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message By day, Lynette Manning is a Regional Manager for Bloodworks Northwest. By night? That's a different story. That's because Lynette is a rising star on the national comedy scene. Where does she get her material? Well, as Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager found out, for Manning it's just "everyday stuff." 

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message When the Tualatin City Council met recently during National Blood Donor Month, 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 February is Black History Month, a time set aside to celebrate achievements by Black Americans in this country. But as Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager found out, it's also a time to take a good hard look at how the blood banking industry has failed to reach out to this community in a meaningful and long-lasting way. That failure is reflected in the low numbers of black donors who come through the doors at Bloodworks Northwest Donor Centers. In this special BONUS EDITION of Bloodworks 101 from two years ago, Government Affairs Director, Juan Cotto and former Seattle Polic Chief Carment Best, reflect on progress made and opportunity lost. 

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message This week, Bloodworks Northwest has been forced to declare a "Code Red" regarding the state of the blood supply in our region. As Bloodworks 101 producer found out in his talk with Bloodworks President & CEO Curt Bailey, there are many reasons we find ourselves here and the way out of the woods may not come quickly.   

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message To say we live in politically polarized times would be an understatement. But there are issues where conservatives and liberals can find common ground. Blood donation is one of them and it's Juan Cotto's job as Bloodworks' Director for Government Affairs to bring Washington State's politicians together on this lifesaving issue. On today's edition of Bloodworks 101, Juan shares his 2025 legislative agenda with Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager. What's the response when Cotto and his colleagues in the Northwest Blood Coalition approach lawmakers in Olympia? Well, Cotto says, "We don't get kicked out of any offices."

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message Bloodworks 101 Co-Producer Helen Pitlick met up with Dennis Gelvin at Bloodworks' Olympia Donor center to get a lesson in philately (fill-at-uh-lee): the study and collection of stamps and other items related to mail and postage. As it turns out, there are more than a few parallels between blood donation and philately.For pictures and more information, please visit our blog: https://blog.bloodworksnw.org/a-philatelic-blood-donor

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message Most platelet donations are stored at room temperature, sacrificing shelf life for circulation time in a patient's body. But patients who are actively bleeding don't need platelets to last for a long time — they need them to get to work, fast. The Stolla lab at Bloodworks Research Institute is investigating the efficacy of cold-stored (refrigerated) platelets, and Bloodworks is in a unique position to help.Learn more: bloodworksnw.org/research

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message January is National Blood Donor Month, a time set aside to celebrate the importance of blood donation and the act of "giving back." So, we're recognizing two members of our community who live out those words by how they give back to our community. And thanks to committed members of our music community and Sonic Guild, Bloodworks is recognizing Seattle singer-songwriter Sara Camille and singer and frontman, Marshall Hugh of the Marshall Law Band. On this edition of Bloodworks 101, host John Yeager, with the help of producer Helen Pitlick, introduce us to these two remarkable musicians, who also embody the Music's In Our Blood campaign. 

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message In 2016, University of Washington sociology professor and mother of two, Alexes Harris was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a type of cancer where the blood-producing cells in a patient's bone marrow became abnormal and create blood cells that don't function properly. As Bloodworks 101 producer Bill Harper tells us, Alexes underwent chemotherapy treatment to reach remission, but when it came time to find a suitable bone marrow donor, her improving condition met a health equity wall: Her mixed race background meant the chances of finding a donor were slim at best. Here's today's BEST OF 2024 episode of Bloodworks 101 from February of 2024.  

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message In February of 2024, since it was Black History Month, we took a hard look at Sickle Cell Disease, a devastating genetic blood disorder that predominantly impacts people of African descent. In this Bloodworks 101 Best of 2024 episode, producer Helen Pitlick told us that Sickle Cell disease is an unfortunate reality for many members of Black communities, and at Bloodworks, we'd like to make it history. Dr. Raymond Adili of Bloodworks Research Institute thinks this is possible.

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message Meet Bloodworks' newest Principal Investigator, Dr. Moua Yang. Dr. Yang sat down with Bloodworks 101 producer Helen Pitlick to discuss his research, what drives his work, and how Bloodworks Research Institute is changing how we think about more than just blood -- Dr. Yang just might make you eat your veggies, too. Here's today's BEST OF 2024 episode entitled, "The Chemistry of Clotting."

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message When you walk into a Bloodworks Northwest Donor Center, mobile drive or pop-up center to donate blood, you never know the difference you can make. Ridgefield, Washington's Joshua Bell has first-hand knowledge of that. And as Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager tells us in this BEST OF 2024 episode, that donation can often make the biggest difference in the world.

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message Did you know that the history of blood transfusion goes back four centuries? There's a lot that we don't know about blood. January is National Blood Donor Month, a time set aside to raise awareness for the cause of blood donation because typically in January, there are fewer donors after the winter holidays, even though blood is still critically needed. If you want to know about blood, spend some time with the man who literally wrote the book on blood - Professor Douglas Starr. That's what producer John Yeager did recently for this BEST OF 2024 edition of Bloodworks 101.  

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message Wednesday, December 18th is State Blood Donor Day in the State of Washington. Bloodworks Northwest' s Director for Government Affairs, Juan Cotto came up with the idea a few years ago to honor the state's first responders and to draw attention to the need for blood. We picked December 18th because it markes the anniversary of a state emergency, the derailment of Amtrak 501, that killed three, injured dozens and crippled the state's interstate system. Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager spoke to Cotto recently, about the need to be prepared for "those types of accidents."

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message December 18th is set aside each year in the State of Washington as State Blood Donor Day. Bloodworks Northwest has led the effort behind it in order to recognize the need for blood when emergencies hit but also to honor first responders who were on the scene December 18th, 2017 when Amtrak 501 derailed, killing three, injuring dozens and crippling one of the state's major freeways for days. One of those first responders was a young man named Dan Konzelman, who was on the way to an accounting job that morning. And as he told Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager, it was a day that would change Dan's life forever.  

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message This is a special ENCORE edition of Bloodworks 101, we're calling, “The New Era of Blood Donation.” We're re-publishing it this week because something very significant happened one year ago this week. After more than thirty years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration finally lifted its deferral on blood donations from gay and bisexual men. For the first time since 1982, gay and bisexual men could finally donate blood. As Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager tells us, the episode features two of the most outspoken and enthusiastic donors, Dylan Smith, our Donor Services Supervisor in Vancouver, Washington, in the Portland metro area and his partner, Juan Gonzalez. 

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message Since it's Thanksgiving, it seemed like a good idea to thank the thousands of generous Bloodworks Northwest donors who come through our donor centers every single day. One of those donors is a guy who used to be, in his words, "a fainter." He's former KING5 reporter Chris Cashman, who hosted a series of videos this spring entitled, "One Thousand Thank You's." Over the years, there's been a profound transformation in Chris. He's gone from a fainter to ... we'll let Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager take it from there. 

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message University of Washington senior Bryn Ament has a very cool job: she's a handler for one of the biggest celebrities in the state. She's also a blood donor, and the We Give Blood Drive with Big Ten and Abbott is an opportunity to bring both these worlds together.

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message Veterans' Day was set aside to honor those servicemen and women who put country first. Ask veterans what they got out of the experience and you'll probably get a wide variety of answers. Bloodworks Northwest President & CEO served as a chopper pilot with the United States Marines, an experience that has helped shape him as a leader. A lot of it has to do with something called "progressive scanning." Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager has the story.

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message How is workplace safety like steering an aircraft carrier? Randy Pickett will tell you. As manager of Bloodworks' Occupational Health and Safety program and a Navy veteran, he has plenty of experience in both.

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message Do you believe in ghosts? Seems like a good question to ask since it's Halloween. Well, whatever you call them, something unexplained is happening at the new Bloodworks Donor Center in Beaverton, Oregon. And as producer John Yeager found out, the director there, Jake Cole is not only seeing and hearing things he cannot explain but it's helping him get home on time. Here's a special Halloween edition of Bloodworks 101.

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message Do you believe in ghosts? Before you answer that question, it might be a good idea to listen to this edition of Bloodworks 101. Well, maybe not. Because if you do believe, this will send shivers up your spine. That's what happened to producer John Yeager when he travelled to the Bloodworks Donor Center in Eugene, Oregon, where they can tell you ... we're definitely not alone. 

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message As a fitness buff, Randy Cantrell knew he wanted to do something big to celebrate turning 70. And as a lifelong blood donor, he also wanted raise money for Bloodworks. Bloodworks 101 co-producer Helen Pitlick joined Randy for a walk around Green Lake in Seattle as part of his epic birthday fundraiser.Got a creative idea for a fundraiser? Our Development Office would love to hear from you: learn more.

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message Overcoming a fear of needles can be a daunting task but consider the consequences, if you can do it - you can literally save a life. That's what Bloodworks Northwest donor Yosi Elison thought about when his long-time girlfriend, Melissa Maron finally convinced him to make an appointment and donate blood. But little did he know, that decision to donate would mean he and Melissa would ... well, Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager takes it from here. Here's an edition of Bloodworks 101 you'll never forget.  

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message When you walk into a Bloodworks Northwest Donor Center, mobile drive or pop-up center to donate, you never know the difference you can make. Ridgefield, Washington's Joshua Bell has first-hand knowledge of that. And as Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager found out, according to Bell, that donation can make the biggest difference in the world.

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message Growing up Mexican in Eastern Washington presented a lot of challenges for Jose Iniquez, especially since he wanted to be an opera singer. But as Bloodworks 101 contributor Juan Cotto discovered, Iniguez has made overcoming challenges his life's work. 

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message Meet Bloodworks' newest Principal Investigator, Dr. Moua Yang. Dr. Yang sat down recently with Bloodworks 101 producer Helen Pitlick to discuss his research, what drives his work, and how Bloodworks Research Institute is changing how we think about more than just blood -- Dr. Yang just might make you eat your veggies, too.

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message Recently, Seattle Times columnist Danny Westneat wrote a piece called, "In Seattle, It's the Millionaire Next Door." The piece highlighted the fact that there's tremendous wealth in the state's largest city. So, that must make fundraising in Seattle easy, right? As Development Strategist Molly Donahue told Producer John Yeager, that's not the way we look at fundraising here at Bloodworks Northwest. Not by a long shot. Here's today's edition of Bloodworks 101.

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message In a matter of weeks, Bloodworks Northwest will hold the Grand Opening of our newest donor center in Puyallup. No one knows the center like the guy who's going to run it - Supervisor Jeremy Tanner. And as Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager Jeremy is no stranger to blood donation and he knows how important that Bloodworks Northwest be able to serve donors in Pierce County who may be looking for a place to donate after Cascade Regional Blood Services went out of business earlier this year. 

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message September is National Preparedness Month. So, we can think of no better time to republish one of our favorite episodes entitled, "We Don't Have to Live in Fear." It's all about the Stop The Bleed program. The idea behind Stop The Bleed is to help bystanders with no medical training to actually help save a life when an emergency strikes and everything is a matter of life and death. As Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager found out, while Stop The Bleed seeks to save lives, it also gives those who take the course, the empowerment it takes to run towards an emergency when everyone else is running away. 

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message As you've probably heard, The Seattle Mariners have a new manager - Dan Wilson.The former Mariners catcher, played 12 years for the M's, making the playoffs in 1995, 1997, 2000 and 2001 before retiring in 2005.In 2012, Wilson was inducted into the Seattle Mariners Hall of Fame alongside his battery-mate, pitcher Randy Johnson. But as noteworthy as Wilson's career on the field was, it's his work helping Northwest charities over the years that has had a lasting impact on his community.  Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager caught up with Dan recently at a Pop-Up Blood Drive hosted by the Mariners at T-Mobile Park for this special ENCORE EDITION of Bloodworks 101.

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message If you're a blood donor, why do you donate? Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager caught up with former KING 5 news anchor and Mark Wright, who's a loyal Bloodworks Northwest donor and got a surprising answer to that question. Mark, who's also the host for the "Beats Working" podcast told John that when it comes to blood donation, there's really no good reason not to. Here's a special ENCORE EDITION of Bloodworks 101. Here's a link to "Beats Working." https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/beatsworking

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message Do you remember what you did December 6th, 2023? Did it stand out in any way? For Mark Dyce-Ryan it's a really special day he'll never forget. Because, as producer John Yeager tells us on this special ENCORE EDITION of Bloodworks 101, that's the day Mark was finally able to save a life. 

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message Sometimes it's easy for many people to underestimate a little thing like rolling up your sleeve and donating a unit of blood. But Seattle's Paul Patu is not one of them.  That's because, as Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager found out, Patu owes his life to that "little thing." And wait til you hear what the impact of that one man's life turned out to be. Here's a special ENCORE EDITION of Bloodworks 101.

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message Think back - what did you binge watch during the pandemic? We all have our favorites and why we love them. Seattle's Jill Gallagher has a reason why she's binging and it's literally saving lives. Producer John Yeager explains on this special ENCORE edition of Bloodworks 101.  

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message We're hopping into your feed this week with a short update: There have been some conversations in the media recently about cord blood banking that have caused some confusion, so we wanted to talk a little about that and share a great resource. Emily Pajcic, RN, and Chelsea Price, RN, of Bloodworks' Cord Blood Donation Program recently sat down with Lauren Ryan of Cancer Pathway's Encompassing Cancer podcast to talk about the lifesaving power of cord blood. Go check it out! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lifesaving-power-of-cord-blood-with-emily/id1616721257?i=1000662294720

Got a story idea for Bloodworks 101? Send us a text message Did you know that dogs and cats can donate blood? As a Bloodworks executive, Jill Thomas never questioned that blood would be there for a loved one when they needed it. But when her beloved Boston Terrier, Leroy, had cancer surgery, she learned that, for our pets, this isn't always the case.  Dogs, cats, and even ferrets might need blood for all the same reasons as we do: surgery or trauma, anemia, auto-immune disorders, heat stroke, or other illnesses. Come with Bloodworks 101 as we step into a different sort of donor center. Pet blood banks in Western Washington:Seattle: Timberline Veterinary Blood BankGreater Seattle: Blue Pearl Blood Bank in RentonBellingham: Northwest Veterinary BloodbankPet blood banks in Western Oregon:Portland: Dove Lewis Blood BankGreater Portland: VCA NWVS Critical Care Blood Bank in ClackamasCorvallis: Wilvet Blood Donor ProgramElsewhere: PetPlace's list of Animal Blood Banks (2015)