Every day, Red Cross Phlebotomist Katherine Moench helps collect whole blood and power red blood donations and ensures blood drives run smoothly across the Evansville area. Through her work, she knows blood donors help patients who need lifesaving care. In December 2024, she experienced the Red Cross mission firsthand.
“I have always been on the healthcare side of things, and I have helped give blood to patients in the past, but I had never been on the receiving end of things,” said Katherine. “You know how important it is, but then you realize wow this is really important.”
Katherine was pregnant with twin babies, and doctors noticed her hemoglobin levels had dropped. Hemoglobin is a protein in your body that contains iron and carries oxygen to the tissues in your body, so doctors ordered an iron infusion to help raise her levels. Soon after, Katherine gave birth to Lawrence and Eleanora.
“It was a super scary situation. I had them on a Wednesday, but it wasn’t until Saturday that I woke up and was not feeling great,” said Katherine.
Her son, Lawrence, was also in the neonatal intensive care unit. Katherine recalls visiting him in the NICU on Friday night and not having the strength to hold her son. On Saturday morning, doctors told Katherine her hemoglobin levels had dropped again and were dangerously low. She needed blood, and thankfully, Katherine received the care she needed.
“Within a couple hours, I felt so much better. After transfusions, I was able to hold my son in the NICU better,” said Katherine.
Katherine has spent more than 10 years working in healthcare, and nearly two years working at the Red Cross. Since receiving blood, she has also become a blood donor and helps share her story with donors who may be nervous or hesitant to give blood.
“I’m able to give a personal story, and say ‘Hey, this is very important that you’re trying and doing this or that you’re brave and you donated.” It’s able to tie in a personal aspect because I can say it’s because of people like you that people like me can be here and do this,” said Katherine.
Twins Lawrence and Eleanora are now 13 months old, and Katherine says her work with the Red Cross role is rewarding and continues to inspire her to make an impact. A single blood donation can help save more than one life, and each donor helps ensure a stable blood supply.
“Whether it’s a mother who just had a baby or someone’s loved one that was in a car accident, you’re able to give someone a chance to recover and live. It’s almost like a second chance and I think we take that for granted a lot,” said Katherine.
During National Phlebotomist Recognition Week, we’re proud to highlight Katherine as a blood recipient and a link to those who need vital and lifesaving care. Our phlebotomist and blood services team help ensure a stable blood supply by greeting donors, collecting blood and ensuring a positive experience at every Red Cross blood drive. If you’re interested in donating blood, please visit RedCrossBlood.org to make an appointment now.
Written by Janie Bohlmann, regional communications manager.