Blood Drive Coordinator Spotlight: Erik Humber

It’s not easy to take over the reins of a blood drive coordinator, but when Frank Zita, longtime coordinator at the Kentfield Fire Department (KFD), passed away in 2006, Erik Humber stepped in and has since done an outstanding job.

“I had been a regular blood donor since high school, and Frank and I were always ‘neck and neck’ in our total personal blood donations, and often kidded about who was going to accumulate the highest total donations,” said Erik, a volunteer firefighter for more than 30 years and now Volunteer Assistant Chief, in addition to his “real job” of attorney in private practice. “Frank was the blood drive coordinator until he passed away at 89, and I agreed to carry on for him at that time.” Erik, a regular blood donor, has given more than 160 donations which is equivalent to more than 20 gallons of lifesaving blood!

“Although we miss Frank tremendously, Erik has really stepped up to the plate and would have done him proud,” said Jeanne Nielsen, Account Representative at BCP. “Not only is Erik hardworking, but also he is a pleasure to work with.” Since 2006, Erik has coordinated the last 14 blood drives and increased (and it’s still growing!) its average collection to 28 pints per drive. At their last blood drive in February, more than 50 pints of blood were collected!

“Erik has truly gone above and beyond, making phone calls to past donors, reaching out to area schools and community groups, enlisting radio and television stations, as well as area newspapers like the Marin Independent Journal to promote his blood drives,” said Jeanne. “He is a humble guy and does all this with no expectations of any credit. It’s something he feels very passionate about and is an example for many to follow.”

Although Erik admits that coordinating blood drives can be quite time-intensive and has its challenges, he enjoys his role in saving lives and believes that it is all worth it. “Carrying on Frank Zita’s legacy of community service, and in some small way helping to educate folks about the importance of donating blood, and helping maintain an adequate community blood supply,” said Erik on the rewards of being a blood drive coordinator. “It is also rewarding to see new donors become loyal regular donors and becoming active themselves in encouraging their own friends and organizations to donate.”

The KFD holds four blood drives a year, and according to Erik, they’ve been sponsoring them for more than 25 years. Last year, while their fire house was being remodeled, Erik arranged to hold blood drives at the Marin Art and Garden Center, who have continued to be co-sponsors and who have successfully encouraged its own affiliated organizations in promoting blood drives too.

Blood drive coordinator tips from Erik:

* We use a very large banner for the drives that is posted on the front of the station one week before each drive, which has consistently been the most successful technique for attracting new donors.

* Emails are effective in notifying existing donors of the upcoming drives, but infinitely more effective if they are personalized AND are followed up with a phone call.

* I am convinced that if a donor makes an appointment they are MUCH more likely actually show up to donate (instead of a commitment that “I will be there”). Having people make appointments also greatly helps in assessing how many donors are to be expected at the drive, so that BCP can determine how many staff/beds will be required.

* Coordinators should do their best to develop a personal relationship with their donors, and make them feel a part of the team. I am often asked by my donors how the drive is going, and they seem to be very interested in the final numbers. I routinely advise my donors by email of the numbers from the last drive and they seem to really appreciate that information.

* For donors who are enthusiastic or offer to bring others to our drives, I always ask if they might be willing to accept promotional materials for the next drive to post or pass them on to friends, employees, or their own affiliated organizations. Many are willing, and I have a regular list of individuals who get electronic versions of the blood drive poster, press release, public service announcement, etc. for each upcoming drive.

BCP thanks and salutes Erik Humber and the Kentfield Fire Department, and the support of Chief Paul Smith for their outstanding job. Thank you for helping save lives!

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