Cameron, WI—Mosaic Technologies in partnership with the American Red Cross helped save 78 lives with its blood drive held Thursday, Oct. 8 at the Cameron technology facility. Mosaic's long-time partnership with the American Red Cross has helped collect hundreds of pints of blood over the years. 

According to the American Red Cross, one pint of blood can potentially save up to three lives, and the need for blood is great. Every 2 seconds in the U.S., someone needs blood and less than 38% of the population is eligible to give blood or platelets. Twenty-six pints of blood were collected from Mosaic employees and community members last Thursday, making a difference in nearly 80 lives. Mosaic Technologies is grateful to all who made the effort to come out and donate. 

"It's no secret that the American Red Cross is as invaluable as ever in our country right now," said Human Resources Director, Tammy Emerson. "Mosaic Technologies is proud to be able to align with the Red Cross to help gather the resources required so they can serve those in need." 

The Red Cross provides about 40% of our nation's blood and blood components, all from generous volunteer donors. But supply can't always meet demand because only about 3% of age-eligible people donate blood yearly. Each new donor helps us meet patient needs. 

• Each year, an estimated 6.8 million people in the U.S. donate blood. 
• 13.6 million units of whole blood and red blood cells are collected in the U.S. in a year. 
• About 45% of people in the U.S. have Group O (positive or negative) blood; the proportion is higher among Hispanics (57%) and African Americans (51%). 
• Type O negative red cells can be given to patients of all blood types. Because only 7% of people in the U.S. are type O negative, it's always in great demand and often in short supply. 

• Type AB positive plasma can be transfused to patients of all blood types. Since only 3% of people in the U.S. have AB positive blood, this plasma is usually in short supply. 
• Red blood cells must be used within 42 days (or less). 
• Platelets must be used within just 5 days. 

Mosaic Technologies will next host a blood drive at its Cameron facility on July 27, 2021.  

#### 

Mosaic Technologies is a highly respected local provider of quality telecommunications products and services including high speed internet, managed Wi-Fi, television, landline phone service, and business IT solutions. To learn more about Mosaic Technologies, visit www.ExperienceMosaic.com or call 715.458.5400. 

On Tuesday, July 28th, Mosaic Technologies sponsored a blood drive for the American Red Cross at its Cameron facility.  Considered a success by the Red Cross, the drive yielded 34 pints of blood donated within 5 hours. No appointment times went unfilled and safety precautions like social distancing and mask wearing were stringently adhered to during the drive.

The American Red Cross has expressed it gratitude to Mosaic for hosting, and providing volunteer help.

In addition, the Red Cross is actively recruiting Blood Donor Ambassador volunteers in Barron County. With the need for blood donations more important than ever, Red Cross needs volunteers to help at local blood drives. The Blood Donor Ambassador helps with registration, distributing snacks and assisting donors during their time at the Blood Drive.  Key responsibilities include:

• Greet donors, explain the donation process as necessary and assist with initial intake and hand offs through the blood donation process
• Manage donor flow at temp taking station to ensure only donors passing temp screen are permitted access.
• Explain purpose of temperature screen to donors and ensure they understand reason for deferral if applicable.
• Direct donor to next step of donation or options for future donations if deferred.
• Model excellent customer service behaviors.
• Ensure blood donors have relevant information and that questions are answered appropriately while creating a favorable impression of the blood donation process.
• Learn and share the Red Cross story, including the mission, vision, and values
• Provide customer service to donors in the Hospitality Area by ensuring that each donor is recognized for his/her contribution. Report possible adverse post-donation physical reactions to the collections staff.
• Set up and maintain cleanliness in Reception and Hospitality Areas, and Donor Areas/Beds as requested
• Work with collections team supervisor or charge staff to match donor’s blood type with the best product for maximum impact
• Responsible to inform donors of current and upcoming donation promotions
• May make reminder/cancellation calls, re-schedule donor appointments, and perform follow up activities as directed
• Volunteers must be comfortable with technology

The Red Cross is asking that someone interested in volunteering for this position is able to commit to at least 1 shift a month (average shift is 5-6 hours).   Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and remote training will be provided.

If you are interested in volunteering to be a Red Cross Blood Ambassador and making a difference in our communities, please contact Lee Borofka at the American Red Cross directly at lee.borofka@redcross.org

Mosaic Technologies is proud to partner with the American Red Cross.