I was fascinated. She studied zoology and biochemistry in college and pathology in medical school. But it wasn t until a residency rotation in the blood bank at UNC Hospitals that she put it all together. She started hearing from people who asked about their donors, whether they were good and kind people. I d heard before about early blood use, she says.
Blood also builds community.
Collins says the simple act of donating blood brings together people from all over. If you ask them why they do it, she says, it s because they want to give something to their community. And I can trust this community to provide for me when I need it, she says. An organ donor does the same. But when the third party is paid and anonymous, Collins says, the ethical issues become hazier.