During Blood Donor Month, we celebrate the everyday heroes who step up to save lives in powerful ways. One of those heroes is Chloe Koch, a college student who recently hosted a student scholarship blood drive—combining her passion for helping others with a commitment to strengthening the blood supply in our community.
Chloe is currently studying psychology and business management, with a minor in finance, and already has a clear vision for the impact she wants to make in the world.
“I really want to be an HR director,” Chloe shared. “People don’t like HR very much, and I want them to. I want them to feel like HR is there for you—not something you’re afraid of.”
That heart for people shows up in everything she does—including her decision to organize a blood drive.
From Donor to Advocate
Chloe has been donating blood since she was a junior in high school, but her decision to host a drive came when she learned about LifeServe Blood Center’s student scholarship program.
“I was already a donor, so I was signed up for the texts,” she said. “Then I saw something that said you could get $500 if you got people to sign up for a blood drive—and I thought, I’m a broke college student. I’ll take $500 for school stuff.”
But as she looked deeper, the motivation became much bigger than a scholarship.
“I did my own research and realized that we’re in a massive blood shortage right now,” Chloe said. “Cancer isn’t genetic, but it’s very common in my family—breast cancer and things like that. My family has had life-saving blood donations given to them. That’s when it really hit me how important this is.”
For Chloe, donating blood isn’t just helpful—it’s personal.
“You’re literally saving lives when you do it,” she said. “It doesn’t take very long. It doesn’t hurt you. And you get snacks out of it.”
Facing Fear—and Moving Forward Anyway
Like many first-time donors, Chloe admits she was terrified at the beginning.
“I was so scared,” she said. “Needles are really scary for me. My hands get cold and sweaty, and I was dripping in my seat the first time.”
But she didn’t let fear stop her.
“I just don’t look,” she laughed. “I look away, wait for them to say, ‘Okay, it’s in,’ and then I’m like—cool. It’s not bad at all.”
Now, after donating four to five times, Chloe encourages others not to let fear hold them back.
“They know what they’re doing,” she said. “They do it every single day. Just relax.”
Her top advice for first-time donors?
“Drink water. Eat beforehand. And don’t be afraid.”
A New Generation of Donors
As Chloe organized her scholarship blood drive, she noticed something important—younger generations often see blood donation differently than those before them.
“I feel like people my age really think about how things benefit them,” she said. “They don’t always think about the people in the hospital they don’t know—who their blood could save.”
She believes busy schedules play a role too.
“Life is very busy,” Chloe explained. “Things like donating blood take a little bit of inconvenience. You have to give up some time. And I think that’s hard for people.”
Still, she’s hopeful.
“That’s why it’s important for people our age to host things like this,” she said. “It brings attention to our friends—people who might not realize how important donating blood really is.”
Measuring Success Beyond Numbers
While Chloe hoped for more sign-ups, she never lost sight of what truly mattered.
“Even if only 10 people came in, that’s more blood than we would’ve had without this,” she said. “That’s potentially 30 people who benefit from it. That’s a lot of lives.”
And despite the scholarship opportunity, Chloe is clear about her heart behind the effort.
“I don’t want people to think I did this just for the money,” she said. “If I was given the opportunity to host one without the scholarship, I think I still would.”
For her, the reward goes far beyond dollars.
“I’m proud of what I did,” she said. “Giving blood is something so important that’s often overlooked.”
A Message to Other Students
When asked what she would tell other students considering hosting a blood drive, Chloe didn’t hesitate.
“The money is nice,” she said. “But the real important thing is helping people.”
She added, “You could need blood one day. And then you’d wish someone had donated.”
Making a Difference—One Donation at a Time
Chloe Koch’s story reminds us that you don’t need to be a healthcare professional to save lives. Sometimes, all it takes is a willing heart, a little courage, and the decision to show up.
During Blood Donor Month, we thank Chloe—and every donor—who helps ensure that lifesaving blood is available for patients when they need it most.
