Spotlight’s On: Megan Forrest

an interview with Megan Forrest, Community Service Representative at the Shasta Blood Center

BCP has many departments and hundreds of employees. Do you know the function of each department? Or the role of many of our staff members? Each month, we’ll spotlight a staff member or department. Last month we interviewed Peter Kite, Technical Operations Support Supervisor. This month, meet Megan Forrest!

What’s your job title? And what do you do?
I am the Community Service Representative for BCP’s Shasta Blood Center (SBC). I set up, organize and run all of the mobile blood drives for our center in Redding. A very important aspect of my job is building lasting relationships with blood drive coordinators and donors. I am responsible for keeping up with the demands of our scheduled blood drives and continually booking new ones. Our pursuit for new locations and donors is never complete. 

Describe your typical day at SBC
My typical day is filled with a variety of tasks. Daily I have a list of responsibilities that can include any of the following: contacting coordinators for upcoming blood drives, calling potential sites for meetings, working with the local media, managing relationships with sponsors, collaborating with high school and college students, approving flyers/mailings/promotions/emails/thank yous, confirming logistics, working closely with our Director Ellie Delgado, management and staff. Let’s just say there is never a dull moment!

What do you like best/most about your job?
Everything! My position with BCP, more than any other I’ve held, is so fulfilling. I really don’t mind getting up every morning. The aspect I like the best or most is my close relationship with all of the wonderful people. I am responsible for building lasting relationships with co-workers, coordinators, sponsors and donors all in the honor of saving someone’s life. It is simply amazing.

What are the challenges?
There are always challenges that present themselves. The biggest being logistics and education. It can be difficult at times to coordinate our mobile blood drives in regards to who, what, where, when and how. In the end though we always seem to make it work. Also challenging is the lack of knowledge the general population has about blood donation. Education is key in recruiting new blood donors whether it be clearing up misconceptions or just relaying the need for blood. These challenges can present issues but can be managed.

Anything else to add?
I love my job, my co-workers and the wonderful people out there saving lives! 

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