Eric Schlesinger has been a volunteer with the American Red Cross for almost 50 years. During the 1969 fall semester at Temple University, PA, one of his fraternity brothers suggested that Eric should run the campus blood drive, which took place twice a year. He continued to run the blood drive for another three and a half years. This dedication did not go unnoticed by the Philadelphia Red Cross chapter as he was appointed to their Board of Directors during his senior years as an undergraduate.
When Eric went to graduate school at State University at Albany, NY, he contacted the local Red Cross chapter. He was surprised to learn that they knew of his arrival and told him, “We have been expecting you; we were told we were getting a good guy in the area.” Eric was further involved in coordinating or advising about the promotion of campus blood drives at Cortland State College, NY, and at Catholic University, DC.
Once Eric moved to DC, he became a regular whole blood donor. But he wanted to do something of even more value to help his community. So about twenty years ago Eric became a blood services volunteer at the Rockville Blood Donation Center, MD. One Saturday a month, Eric registers donors and gives out juice and cookies in the canteen.
Eric particularly enjoys interacting with first-time blood donors, who are excited to be there but have some uncertainty about whether the process is painless or how long it takes. Eric reassures and congratulates first-time donors and encourages them to return. Now, many of the people Eric sees are regulars who donate every 56 days. They enjoy chatting with Eric who makes them feel valued. Volunteering at the donation center fulfills a portion of Eric’s life. He enjoys being in a helping mode around others and he receives thanks from donors for his service.
When asked about the primary motivation of blood donors, Eric recalls one donor who had himself received a blood transfusion and had decided it was his turn to give back. Following the tragedies of September 11th, 2001, Eric was not scheduled to volunteer, but went to the Rockville donation center anyway. There, a true sense of community spirit was realized when hundreds of people showed up to give blood. Even the local Girl Scouts brought additional food and refreshments. The image of people lining up waiting to help is still a vivid image in Eric’s mind. A surge in blood donations also occurred following Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, though most donated blood is used for local hospitals.
Eric was recognized as Volunteer of the Month in May 2012. His message to potential first-time donors is “There is always a constant need for blood. There is no replacement for a blood donor as blood cannot be manufactured. To know that you are doing something that only a human can do is really important. The staff is excellent, the process is painless…what kind of a better deal can you expect?”
Blood donor ambassador volunteer positions are currently open in our area.
Learn About All Types of Blood Donation.
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