Rachel Heath is the Blood Collection Coordinator for the UP Regional Blood Center.

What is your role at UP Health System – Marquette?
I am the Blood Collection Coordinator for the UP Regional Blood Center.

What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?
I have always wanted to be able to help people in my community, and my job allows me to do that.

What’s a typical day like for you? What is it like working in this field?
A typical day consists of planning blood drives all over the Upper Peninsula, spreading awareness about the importance of donating blood, and working with our donors themselves to make sure they know how appreciated they are for their selfless act of donating. Every day, I work alongside community members across the Upper Peninsula to support the blood supply for 13 UP hospitals.

How long have you been employed here? Have you always been in the same position?
I have been in my current role for two years. Before being promoted to this position, I was a donor tech and lab assistant for many years. Both my previous positions taught me valuable knowledge that I’m able to apply to my current position.

What are some of the big changes you have experienced in this position?
The biggest change we faced this past year was coordinating blood drives during the pandemic. Even though the pandemic caused many things to shut down, the need for blood never takes a break.

Luckily, with the help and support of the staff and many community members, we were able to host several very successful and safe blood drives. These drives, as well as individual appointments at the UP Regional Blood Center locations, have continued the collection of blood for patients in need and saving lives.

We were actually able to collect more blood in 2020 compared with 2019, despite the pandemic! 

What are some of your interests outside of work? What is your favorite local gem?
I really love to go camping in the summertime. My boyfriend, dog, and I have our go-to stops across the UP. During the winter, we love to snowshoe in the heritage trail area.

What do you enjoy most about working at UPHS – Marquette?
I really enjoy the amazing team we have here at the Blood Center. We all work very hard and are passionate about what we do. We are more than just a team, we are a family.