Never Let the Fear of Needles Keep You from Saving Lives

By Alyssa Frank • March 10, 2017

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Benjamin Tetlie, a Financial Representative for Mayo Clinic Global Business Solutions in Rochester, Minnesota, used to have a strong aversion to the idea of donating blood.

“As a child, I fainted every time I had my blood drawn,” he explained. “I fell off the exam table once as a result. I never thought I would be comfortable giving blood.”

Tetlie started working at Mayo Clinic in 2011 in the Emergency Department at Mayo Clinic Hospital – Rochester, Saint Marys Campus. When his coworkers organized a Blood Donor Unit Challenge, he wanted to participate.

“It wasn’t so much about the competition but more about being part of a team and working toward a common goal—to help save lives,” remembers Tetlie. “The unit challenge proved to me that donating blood isn’t difficult and that I can do it. I’m glad I decided to give it a try, and I would encourage others to do so as well.”

Tetlie has been a regular blood donor ever since.

Tetlie adds, “The Blood Donor Center staff make the whole process so quick and easy for the donor, whether it’s at one of the permanent locations or at one of the blood drives. The center has a sign that states just one donation can potentially save multiple people’s lives. That’s what keeps me coming back.”

How to Donate

For more information about donating blood in Olmsted County in Rochester, Minnesota, call (507) 284-4475 or email donateblood@mayo.edu. For more information about the Mayo Clinic Blood Donor Center, visit the Blood Donor Center blog, the Blood Donor Center website, and/or like the center on Facebook.

Alyssa Frank

Alyssa Frank is a Marketing Segment Manager at Mayo Clinic Laboratories. She leads marketing strategies for product management and specialty testing. Alyssa has worked at Mayo Clinic since 2015.