10 Questions with Heather Hughes
The wheels keep turning for Cape Cod Healthcare’s Blood Mobile driver, who shifted gears and changed career paths one year ago this month.
The song “On the Road Again” could be Heather Hughes’ career anthem.
Since 1997, Hughes has driven school buses for the town of Lynn, and most recently, for Barnstable Public Schools. At one point, she was the transportation manager for Community Connections in South Yarmouth and Mashpee.
A year ago, Heather shifted gears from driving a school bus to sitting in the driver’s seat of Cape Cod Healthcare’s Blood Mobile, a 2016 Freightliner 40-feet long, 8-feet wide and 13’ 6” high. The blood mobile can go directly to a business, organization, police department, place of worship or a school. Inside, donors will find four donation beds, phlebotomists and a waiting area.
“There are many donors who come in and are surprised that I drive such a big vehicle—and offer me kudos for the task,” says Heather, who enjoys driving the blood mobile up and down the Cape all month long. “I love the people I work with—we have a really good crew and a tight-knit team.”
The Blood Mobile team includes Kim Smith and Heather Hughes (in front) and Kyah DeSimone, Jennifer Gould and Charlette James.
Heather starts her day at Cape Cod Healthcare’s print shop in Hyannis, where she collects and loads supplies, including coolers, ice and bags, into the vehicle. Two hours before heading to a blood drive location, she conducts her “pre-trip checklist,” which involves inspecting the air brakes, lights, engine, tire pressure and generator. Her additional responsibilities consist of working with a team of four to five phlebotomists, registering donors and entering data into the computer.
While at the wheel, Heather says she gets plenty of friendly waves and smiles from other drivers. But one story in particular stands out: “One day, while heading to a blood drive at Chatham Works, I was traveling on Route 28 and a gentleman was following behind me,” says Heather. “He ended up calling [our Senior Blood Donor Recruiter] Jonathan DeCoste to find out where we were going so he could donate blood. It was pretty cool that he was inspired to donate after seeing the vehicle!”
We met up with Heather at a blood drive at the Brewster Police Station earlier this month to learn more about her background, the challenges of driving the blood mobile, the best advice she has ever received and her favorite spot on the Cape.
1. Who inspired you to start driving large vehicles?
My dad was a truck driver and he taught me how to drive a pickup truck and use my mirrors. Later in life, as a single mom, I saw an ad in the paper, the Daily Item in Lynn. They had open training for school bus drivers and you could bring your child with you. I went through the training, earned my Class B license with air brakes and was able to take my child with me while on the job. I initially regretted it [she laughs] because my son was all over the place when we stopped in between routes. But it all worked out in the end.
2. What are some of the challenges of driving the Blood Mobile?
I have learned not to drive down any streets that begin with the word “Old” (Old Main Street, for instance). The height of the vehicle won’t clear tree branches. Also, the tougher the parking spot to get into with the blood mobile, the better the challenge. You always have to be one step ahead and have a plan in place at any given time.
3. What do you miss most about driving school buses?
I was also a trainer, so it was very euphoric working with trainees who had never driven a big vehicle before to helping them earn their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
4. Very first or most interesting job?
Windsor Button, a button shop at the North Shore Mall in Peabody. I was a button girl who worked behind the counter with a wall of wooden boxes filled with buttons behind me. If you lost a button, you would go to Windsor Button and I would help you find the right button. I worked mostly nights after school.
5. Best advice you have ever received from a family member, friend or coworker?
Just breathe. During a stressful situation, take it one minute at a time. Enjoy the good parts.
6. Dream job?
There’s quite a few: A travel agent because I love to travel; driving a bus at Walt Disney World; and getting my Class A license so I can drive 18-wheelers.
7. What would you like to accomplish this year?
Travel more. I have a cruise planned to the Mexican Riviera in February and another cruise in May—a Disney Cruise on the Fantasy.
8. What song is stuck in your head at the moment?
My favorite song is “In the Air Tonight,” by Phil Collins.
9. Where do you like to go on Cape?
The Mass Audubon Society’s Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary off Route 6A in Barnstable because not everyone knows about it. I’m able to sit on the beach and enjoy a peaceful moment, usually with no one around.
10. Iced or hot coffee?
Iced all the way. Caramel Swirl from Dunkin or an iced chai latte from Starbucks.
