Longtime Vitalant employee reflects on 47 years of service and community impact
A Vitalant employee in Jefferson Park is making headlines for her impressive 47-year career with the blood donation organization. Patricia Taggart, who began her journey as a phlebotomist at just 19, shows no signs of slowing down.
Patricia’s long tenure at Vitalant is a remarkable feat, especially in an era where the average worker stays at a job for only 3.9 years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “I love what I do and the people I work with,” she says.
Her dedication has been tested during some of the most challenging moments in recent history. On Sept. 11, 2001, while working downtown, Patricia experienced firsthand the chaos of that fateful day. “I asked what building are we were working in today. When I found out we were in the Sears Tower, I thought, ‘That’s not going to happen; that’s going to be a problem,’” she recalls.
As the situation unfolded across the country, plans were changed dramatically. “They canceled the drive in the tall building because nobody knew what was going to happen. We were instructed to meet at our main facility in Glenview,” Patricia explains.
Despite the fear and uncertainty, the community rallied together. “Donors were lined up around the block, and we did our best to help out,” she remembers. “I got up around 3 a.m. and didn’t finish until about 8 p.m. It was amazing to see how people pulled together—donors, staff, and volunteers all stepping up.”
Patricia’s resilience and commitment to service exemplify the spirit of Vitalant. With a deep sense of pride, Patricia looks toward the future, ready to contribute many more years. “I’m not going anywhere anytime soon,” she said with a smile. As the workforce landscape shifts, Patricia’s story serves as a powerful reminder of dedication, community, and the impact one individual can have in the lives of many.
About Vitalant
Vitalant (Vye-TAL-ent)) is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit blood and biotherapies healthcare organizations, providing hospitals and patients across the U.S. a safe blood supply, specialized laboratory services, transfusion medicine expertise and world-renowned research. Individuals generously donating blood, volunteering and giving financially are essential to our lifesaving mission. Learn more at Vitalant.org.