National Blood Donor Month - Commit to Help Save Lives

By Carly Flumer, Volunteer

January is National Blood Donor Month, the perfect time to resolve to be a regular blood donor and help save lives. The American Red Cross urges people to share their good health and resolve to give blood regularly, beginning in January with National Blood Donor Month. 

We can all think of easy, simple ways to help someone, whether it be through random acts of kindness, such as letting someone ahead of us in line, or even lending a listening ear to someone who needs it most. But did you know that there’s also a simple and easy way to save someone’s life? It all starts with your blood - bet you didn’t think of that!

Donating blood through the Red Cross helps all types of people, both young and old. From cancer patients to accident and burn victims, to those undergoing a heart surgery or an organ transplant, your donation will help someone in need in a heart-felt way that makes a lasting difference in their life.

Watch Marquita’s story for example. 🎥
She was diagnosed with sickle cell disease when she was born, and requires blood cell transfusions every 6 months.

Or look at the amazing Hannah 🎥, a 16-year-old cancer fighter, who is surviving on blood donations.

When you donate blood, you not only help patients like these, but you give back to your community. Plus, all different types of blood products are needed, including whole blood and platelets, so your donation will go far in making a difference.

To watch more compelling stories, visit the Red Cross’s YouTube page, or to find out more information about donating blood visit the Red Cross’s Blood Services homepage where you can schedule an appointment at your nearest donation center.

My Day at a Red Cross Blood Drive: Sandy Habib

By Sandy Habib, Volunteer

The American Red Cross urges people to share their good health and resolve to give blood regularly, beginning in January with National Blood Donor Month. Extreme winter weather in some parts of the country and seasonal illnesses often make it difficult for the American Red Cross to maintain a sufficient blood supply at this time of year. Healthy individuals are urged to give now. 

It’s widely known that the American Red Cross is in continuous need of blood donations. Winter, however, is an especially challenging time for the Red Cross to meet its blood demands for many reasons. Regular donors are often busy with the holidays and travel plans. Harsh winter weather and widespread cases of the flu can also be obstacles. The fact is, though, that the Red Cross must collect more than 2,500 platelet and about 13,000 blood donations every day for patients at about 2,500 hospitals nationwide. These blood products are perishable and need to be distributed to hospitals quickly, so it’s imperative that donors continue giving blood year-round to avoid delays in essential medical care.

Giving blood is a rewarding experience for those who are able to do their part and help patients in need. There are many of us, though, who, for a whole host of reasons, cannot donate blood. That doesn’t mean that we can’t make contributions in other ways. For example, on January 10, 2019, I was a Blood Donor Ambassador at a blood drive at the Red Cross office at 123 N. Alfred Street in Alexandria.

Here I am greeting donors as they arrive. This is a rewarding volunteer role
for anyone with free time on weekday afternoons (or some weekends).

As Ambassador, I greeted donors as they arrived and thanked them for coming in. Then I signed them in and provided them with their blood donation information. There was usually time before the donors were called in, so I had the opportunity to chat with them. I met one gentleman who has donated close to 100 times – incredible! I also spoke to some high school students who were excited about donating for the first time. Everyone was friendly and courteous, and I really enjoyed getting to meet all the donors. I commended them all on their selfless act of giving blood.

Like the donors, the staff was very sociable. They were professional, yet charismatic. They played lively music in the background which created a comfortable environment, putting donors at ease. My watch indicated that I volunteered for 3.5 hours, but since I spent the time with so many wonderful people, it felt as though it was about half of that.

The Red Cross blood staff works hard to make sure that facilities
are clean and comfortable for donors. This is the blood drive room
at the Red Cross office in Alexandria, VA. 

Even if you can’t donate blood, there are other ways you can help the cause. Like me, you can volunteer your time at a blood drive. You can make a financial donation. Maybe you can leverage your social media presence to donate your birthday/special occasion, honor someone special or start a virtual drive for your organization to encourage others to donate blood and/or money.  Even better, if you have a large, open space to host a blood drive, you can have up to 50 of your friends/colleagues/family members donate blood in a single day! There are many ways to make an important impact and promote blood drives in your community. The key is to find what works best for you and commit to helping the Red Cross.

Go to www.redcrossblood.org to learn more about how you can donate blood to help the Red Cross save lives.

To host a blood drive, go to the “Hosting a Blood Drive” or click here to learn more and apply!

Blood Services Volunteer of the Month: Hillary Sandy

Hillary Sandy has been providing excellent customer service to donors at the Dr. Charles R. Drew Donor Center in DC since March of 2013! She volunteers as a Blood Donor Ambassador most Fridays and several Mondays each month.

Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, Hillary came to the area on her 21st birthday. Hillary is a nurse by profession and an Army veteran. She was mobilized to Germany in 2011, where she volunteered with the Red Cross and USO. Since her retirement, Hillary took the opportunity to volunteer with the American Red Cross.

Hillary comes from a family that is rooted in community service. Her mother was a nurse and midwife, and volunteer work has always been part of Hillary’s upbringing. In addition to volunteering at blood drives, Hillary volunteers at the VA and is a Deputy Representative for military families, veterans and active service members. She also volunteers at her church, and helps elderly people in her community with grocery shopping and transport to and from medical appointments.

On top of all her volunteer work, Hillary still finds time six days a week to exercise at Rock Creek Park. She loves to travel and has been all over the world, particularly Europe.

Hillary’s favorite aspect of volunteering at the donor center is talking with and helping the blood donors. “Being gracious to [the donors] for donating their blood” is of the utmost importance to her.

Please join us in congratulating Hillary Sandy – Blood Services Volunteer of the Month for June 2018!

My Red Cross Blood Donor Story: George DeFilippi

Written by: Rose Ellen O’Connor, volunteer

When his older son, Geoffrey, was a toddler, a nurse at the doctor’s office commented on how long he bled after a finger prick. George DeFilippi and his wife Patricia didn’t think much of it. Then his second son James came along in 1978 and they were given a diagnosis. It was not good. Both sons had hemophilia, a bleeding disorder in which the blood does not clot normally and bleeding can be uncontrolled and spontaneous.

“We were scared,” George says.

George, a retired Air Force Colonel, was then stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, just outside Dayton, OH. When word got out of his sons’ hemophilia, the community rallied around his family.

“A bunch of our friends, unbeknownst to us, had a blood drive for us. There were 90 people that donated blood. A variety of them were scared about getting stuck with a needle, but they donated nonetheless,” George recalls. “We were just shocked and immensely grateful. We couldn’t believe the outpouring. That people would do such a thing for us was just a marvelous feeling.”

That was George’s first experience with the Red Cross. He was so moved he wanted to give back and began donating blood. Since 1978, he has given blood or platelets a little over 240 times. He started out giving blood, which can be donated every 56 days. He wanted to do more so he switched to platelets, which can be given 24 times a year or about every two weeks. George, 70, has slowed down a bit and now gives between 15 and 20 times a year. The process takes about two and a half hours.

As it turned out, George says, his sons had mild cases of hemophilia and only needed transfusions when they had injuries, probably a couple of times a month. As youngsters, they played a variety of sports and rollerbladed. They were very good at rollerblading but occasionally would fall, scrape a knee and need to be infused. George and his wife learned to do the infusions at home so they could usually avoid the hospital, but not always. Geoffrey, for example, had a bad sprain in the knee and was hospitalized for a couple of days.

As a youngster, James was a daredevil. He would get gashes in his head that would have to be treated.

“We found him a couple of times stacking chairs on top of chairs to try to get to cookies that were on top of the refrigerator when he was three or four,” George says. “He always was kind of a risk taker, doing those kinds of things where he would stretch the limits of his balance.”

Both sons are now in their 40’s and are healthy and very athletic. Geoffrey mountain climbs and James competes in triathlons.

George lives with his wife Patricia in Falls Church, VA. Along with his sons, he has two daughters, Jocelyn and Gwendolyn. After he retired from the Air Force, he worked in government relations for Cobham, a defense contractor, and then as a Navy civil servant.

Learn more about donating blood at RedCrossBlood.org. 

Blood Services Volunteer of the Month: Virgie Sullivan

Virgie Sullivan volunteers at the Dr. Charles R. Drew Donor Center in Washington, DC as a Blood Donor Ambassador. In addition to donating blood herself, Virgie can be relied upon to volunteer almost every Friday and has done so since 2005! 

Born in Wilson, NC, Virgie moved to the DC area for work in 1974. She has one daughter, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren! 

Virgie initially volunteered at blood drives at her place of employment starting in the 1990's. When she retired after 30 years of government service, she started helping out at the donor center and has been a fixture there ever since

In addition to her work with the Red Cross, Virgie volunteers very often for her church, where she helps with the food bank, cooks for special events, mentors young women, assists seniors and sings in the choir. Her free time consists of exercise, looking out for neighborhood children and taking trips to visit family in NC. Virgie is busy all the time! 

Meeting our blood donors and talking with them is what Virgie enjoys most about volunteering at blood drives. She finds it commendable that some of the donors wait for quite awhile and still have a pleasant attitude about donating blood. She enjoys talking to and thanking donors, and has gotten to know many donors by name.

Please join us in congratulating Virgie Sullivan – Volunteer of the Month for April 2018!

My Lifesaving Red Cross Blood Donor Story: Virginia Hamilton

Written by: Rose Ellen O’Connor, volunteer

Virginia Hamilton is still moved by a letter she received some three decades ago from the American Red Cross. It thanked her for saving a life. Virginia, 73, had been donating blood since her 20’s and platelets since her 30’s, but this was a special case.

A little boy who had a bone marrow transplant was in the hospital and not doing well. The Red Cross asked if she would be willing to donate platelets continuously over a period of months and she said yes. For the first several weeks, Virginia went in three days a week to donate at the Red Cross office in Merrifield, VA. The next several weeks, she came in twice a week, then once a week, then once every other week and then once a month. The Red Cross was so concerned she would be dangerously low in proteins because of all the blood she was donating that they recommended she consume extra nutrients. She drank a glass of milk with a peanut butter sandwich for lunch every day and had a daily bowl of rice and beans. By the time she finished donating it was Christmas and the little boy was better.

“They sent me a note saying he got to home for Christmas,” Virginia says. “He wasn’t doing very well and then he got my blood and he got better. I really was walking around on a cloud for a very long time.”

Sometimes it was hard to get the blood from Virginia because she has one arm where the veins “roll” when the needle is inserted. “They brought in a special nurse and she was really good at getting the needle in so they could get the platelets out,” Virginia says.

Virginia has AB positive blood, which is rare, and there is not a lot of demand for it, so she started donating platelets instead. She estimates that she gave five gallons of platelets to the Red Cross from her 20’s to her 50’s. For the next 10 years she donated to Inova Fairfax Hospital because it had blood donation centers that were closer to her job or her home. She has no estimate of how much blood she gave to Inova. Virginia stopped giving blood a couple of years ago after a couple of failed attempts to draw her blood.

“After 50 years of giving blood, its time for someone else to take over,” Virginia says.

Virginia’s family’s commitment to donating blood spans three generations. She was inspired by her aunts who started giving blood during World War II and then just kept it up afterwards. Virginia’s daughter started giving blood as soon as she was old enough. For years she had accompanied her mother on her treks to give blood, first to the Red Cross downtown and later, when it opened up, to the office in Merrifield, which was much closer to home.

Virginia lives in Sterling, VA with her cockatoo, Charlie. She has a daughter Mary Ann. She’s retired from a job in construction where she reviewed blueprints and estimated building costs.

The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Give blood. 

“My Red Cross Experience As A Platelet Donor And A Disaster Action Team Volunteer”: Alan Vollman’s Story

Written by: Rosalind SE Carney, volunteer

Alan Vollman first started to donate blood to the Red Cross in 1971 when he was in graduate school in California. He had read an article describing how heart transplants were becoming more common, but the amount of blood required for these operations put a strain on local blood supplies. He continued to give blood during his first career as a public school teacher. At that time, donors could bank their blood and specify who could receive the units donated at no cost. Alan often chose family members of his school community when families made emergency requests for blood.

When Alan moved to Washington, DC years later, he sought out a Red Cross blood donation center near his downtown law office. On a slow workday, he would to go to donate blood -- a time to relax with a short nap on a comfortable recliner. Once he became a regular donor, volunteers encouraged him to donate platelets instead of whole blood. In the US, platelets are needed every 30 seconds as they are transfused into cancer, surgery, transplant, and blood disorder patients. 

The platelet donation process takes a little longer than a whole blood donation. Blood is taken from one arm, platelets are extracted by a machine, and the remaining blood components are returned to the other arm. Alan finds this downtime relaxing and uses it to listen to lectures on interesting topics or to work on his Spanish. One time, a friend gave him DVDs of the Best of Dave Chappelle to watch during the donation. Alan laughed so hard that he started to cry, but he was unable to wipe away the tears since needles were in his arms. Other people heard him laugh and gathered to watch the shows with him. By the end of the extraction process, streaks of salt marked his cheeks where the tears had evaporated.

Alan has been donating platelets for 15 years and still donates whole blood occasionally. These donations give him a positive feeling, and he enjoys receiving emails notifying him of the type of patient who received his donation. Alan says, “I have family and friends who have needed platelets. I have met parents whose children have received them. These people know how important platelets are and tell me that donors like me have kept them or their child alive. A couple of quiet hours on a cozy recliner can provide months or years to someone who could die without platelets.”

Alan has also been a volunteer with the Disaster Action Team (DAT) since 2009 thanks to encouragement from his wife, Ann. Ann is currently a volunteer in casework recovery planning at the Red Cross headquarters in Fairfax, VA. Ann has also volunteered with DAT for many local and national disasters since 2005. As a DAT volunteer, Alan has enjoyed meeting new people from all walks of life. Alan says, “What Red Cross volunteers have in common is that they all care about their community. Volunteers quickly learn that there is a lot of suffering in the neighborhoods of our wealthy National Capital Region. Some people are living on the edge, and no matter how small a fire or other home disaster may be, it is often a personal Katrina for that household.”

Alan’s message to someone considering volunteer work with the Red Cross is this: “Good deeds are the dues we pay for being members of our community.” As a friend once told him, “Giving money is not hard to do for some; money comes and goes. But time is a gift one can’t earn back; it is unconditional.” Or to put it in lawyer speak, “Money is fungible; time isn’t.”

Learn more about donating blood and platelets at www.redcrossblood.org.

The Benefits Of Giving Back By Volunteering With The Red Cross: Part I – Open Opportunities in Biomedical Services

Written by: Rosalind SE Carney, volunteer

Every 8 minutes, the Red Cross responds to someone in crisis. Generous volunteers give their time and talents to help fulfill the American Red Cross mission. Whatever your experience or interests are, there are volunteer opportunities available for you. This is Part I of a five-part blog series that details current volunteer opportunities in the National Capital Region (NCR) in Biomedical Services, Communications/Public Affairs, Disaster Cycle Services, Services for Military and Veteran Families, and Volunteer Services.

Why Volunteer With The Red Cross?
When you volunteer with the Red Cross, you become part of a group of people who truly make a difference in the lives of their fellow Americans and help people in serious need. It’s a great way to make new friends, learn new skills for your resume, and give back to your local community. For those who may not be in a position to make a financial contribution, a contribution of your time is the perfect gift. In fact, volunteers carry out 90% of the humanitarian work of the Red Cross. In return, you experience being part of a large humanitarian organization, earn documented service house, receive training and support, and participate in volunteer recognition activities.

Do I have to deploy as a Red Cross volunteer?
No. While many NCR volunteers deploy following major disasters, many volunteers have roles that are always performed locally. While some volunteers respond to unexpected incidents, such as a house fire, many volunteers work set hours, scheduled at times convenient to them. Many volunteer positions are located throughout the NCR at the Chapter office, blood donation centers, supply management locations, or are home-based.

Why is the Biomedical Services group so important?
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Approximately 36,000 units of red blood cells, 7,000 units of platelets and 10,000 units of plasma are needed every day in the U.S. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 1.69 million people were expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2017. Many will need blood, sometimes daily, during chemotherapy treatment. One automobile accident victim can require as many as 100 pints of blood.

How can I help? 
The Red Cross collects and distributes about 40 percent of our nation’s blood supply. Help continue this mission by becoming a Blood Donor Ambassador to give donors a positive and fulfilling experience at a Red Cross donation center or blood drive. Blood Donor Ambassadors assist with reception and hospitality by greeting donors and offering refreshments. They provide a high level of customer service to promote blood donation and set the stage for a long-term commitment by donors. Blood Donor Ambassadors also play an important role in educating first-time donors about the process. Each shift is approximately four to six hours, with a requested commitment period of one year. A required two-hour training session is offered at American Red Cross offices throughout the National Capital Region.

What skills are required for this position?
This position is open to people who enjoy working with people and can provide excellent customer service. Blood Donor Ambassadors must be able to communicate in a professional manner with diverse populations, and read, write, hear and speak English in a legible and understandable manner. 

Where are Donor Ambassadors currently needed?

• The Washington, DC blood services center at 1730 E Street, NW 
• Old Town Alexandria office at 123 Alfred Street, Alexandria, VA
• Blood donor center locations in Fairfax, VA, and Montgomery Counties, MD
• Mobile drives in Washington, DC
• Mobile drives in Virginia: Alexandria, Arlington, Prince William and Loudoun Counties
• Mobile drives in Prince George's County, MD

Learn more or apply at: https://www.redcrossblood.org/volunteer

“Volunteering With The Red Cross Is So Fulfilling, I Have Served For Almost 50 Years”: Eric Schlesinger's Story

Written by: Rosalind SE Carney, volunteer

Eric Schlesinger has been a volunteer with the American Red Cross for almost 50 years. During the 1969 fall semester at Temple University, PA, one of his fraternity brothers suggested that Eric should run the campus blood drive, which took place twice a year. He continued to run the blood drive for another three and a half years. This dedication did not go unnoticed by the Philadelphia Red Cross chapter as he was appointed to their Board of Directors during his senior years as an undergraduate. 

When Eric went to graduate school at State University at Albany, NY, he contacted the local Red Cross chapter. He was surprised to learn that they knew of his arrival and told him, “We have been expecting you; we were told we were getting a good guy in the area.” Eric was further involved in coordinating or advising about the promotion of campus blood drives at Cortland State College, NY, and at Catholic University, DC.

Once Eric moved to DC, he became a regular whole blood donor. But he wanted to do something of even more value to help his community. So about twenty years ago Eric became a blood services volunteer at the Rockville Blood Donation Center, MD. One Saturday a month, Eric registers donors and gives out juice and cookies in the canteen.

Eric particularly enjoys interacting with first-time blood donors, who are excited to be there but have some uncertainty about whether the process is painless or how long it takes. Eric reassures and congratulates first-time donors and encourages them to return. Now, many of the people Eric sees are regulars who donate every 56 days. They enjoy chatting with Eric who makes them feel valued. Volunteering at the donation center fulfills a portion of Eric’s life. He enjoys being in a helping mode around others and he receives thanks from donors for his service.

When asked about the primary motivation of blood donors, Eric recalls one donor who had himself received a blood transfusion and had decided it was his turn to give back. Following the tragedies of September 11th, 2001, Eric was not scheduled to volunteer, but went to the Rockville donation center anyway. There, a true sense of community spirit was realized when hundreds of people showed up to give blood. Even the local Girl Scouts brought additional food and refreshments. The image of people lining up waiting to help is still a vivid image in Eric’s mind. A surge in blood donations also occurred following Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, though most donated blood is used for local hospitals. 

Eric was recognized as Volunteer of the Month in May 2012. His message to potential first-time donors is “There is always a constant need for blood. There is no replacement for a blood donor as blood cannot be manufactured. To know that you are doing something that only a human can do is really important. The staff is excellent, the process is painless…what kind of a better deal can you expect?”

Blood donor ambassador volunteer positions are currently open in our area. 

Learn About All Types of Blood Donation.

“As a Platelet Donor, I Regularly Help Save Lives”: Jeff Hoffman’s Story

Written by: Rosalind SE Carney, volunteer

Jeff Hoffman remembers as a child watching his father donate blood. When Jeff was in his 20s and living in New York, he became a dedicated blood donor to a family friend who had cancer.

Once Jeff moved to Washington, DC, he became a regular whole blood donor at the Dr. Charles R. Drew Blood Donation Center at 1730 E Street NW, Washington, DC. In 2002, he was asked to consider donating platelets rather than blood. Jeff learned that whereas his blood type is relatively common, he has a high concentration of platelets per unit of blood. He has been a platelet donor ever since, with more than 376 units donated helping more than 1128 lives so far!

While attending a conference several years ago, Jeff noticed a fellow attendee wearing a bracelet embossed with the words “Liquid Gold”. The attendee explained to Jeff that liquid gold refers to platelets, and that, as a cancer survivor, he had started a nonprofit to encourage more people in Alabama to donate. The gentleman’s wife then described how her husband’s hospital had no platelets and a last-minute platelet donation literally saved his life. As Jeff had never met a platelet recipient before, their emotional thank you to him for his donations remains a vital reinforcement to Jeff for saving the lives of others.

As platelets are used to help blood clotting, they are crucial for cancer patients, patients who have undergone major surgery or received transplants, and for babies and adults with certain blood disorders. Platelets must be used within 5 days after donation, so a constant supply is needed. Platelets may be donated every 7 days, up to 24 times per year.

Occasionally, Jeff receives a phone call from the Red Cross asking him for an urgent donation needed to assist the delivery of an upcoming birth. These phone calls have happened three times while at work and he leaves immediately, telling his colleagues “Got to go. I’m off to save a baby’s life!” Jeff says that this is “the best feeling ever” and that it makes him feel energized.

Jeff typically visits the DC blood donation center twice a month and describes the staff as highly professional and very friendly. During the approximately two-hour process of platelet apheresis, Jeff lies on a couch and watches a movie on his laptop. He finds platelet donation painless with no side effects.

When asked about his message to others considering platelet donation, Jeff says, “When I donate platelets, I’m treated like a king. I relax on a comfortable couch and watch a movie, then I eat cookies in the canteen…all while saving lives. I don’t understand why virtually everyone wouldn’t want to do this!”

Like his father was of him, Jeff is very proud to have passed on the tradition of donating to his children who now regularly donate whole blood and red blood cells too.


Every 30 seconds someone in the U.S. needs platelets. Individuals of all blood types, except for type O negative and type B negative, are encouraged to try platelet donation. Type O negative and type B negative individuals can make the most impact for patients in need by giving whole blood or a double red blood cell donation.
 

Read Frequently Asked Questions About Platelet Donation

Learn About All Types of Blood Donation

Blood Services Volunteer of the Month: Hazel James

Hazel James has been volunteering as a Blood Donor Ambassador with the American Red Cross in the Montgomery County area since March 2015.

Hazel is a regular at the Rockville Donor Center on Monday evenings, and is always willing to fill in at a moment’s notice in an emergency. 

Originally from Boston, Hazel graduated from UMass, but has lived in Maryland for over 30 years.  About three years ago, she retired from a demanding and stressful career. Shortly thereafter, Hazel decided to come on board with the American Red Cross. 

“I love talking to people,” Hazel says. “Red Cross donors are exceptional.” 

In addition to her work as a Blood Donor Ambassador, Hazel enjoys visiting family and travelling off the beaten path. She also volunteers as a Project Linus Blanketeer and makes Little Dresses for Africa.

Please join us in congratulating Hazel James – Blood Services Volunteer of the Month for December 2017 for the Greater Chesapeake & Potomac Blood Services Region!  

 

Learn More About Donating Blood to the Red Cross.

Download The Blood App by Texting “BLOODAPP” to 90999 or Search “Red Cross Blood” in Your App Store.

My Red Cross Blood Donor Story: Richard Stavros

Written by: Rosalind SE Carney, volunteer

Richard Stavros has donated blood regularly to the Red Cross for over a year. Richard was inspired to give blood though the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic fraternal organization that has a long-standing relationship with the Red Cross in the form of an annual blood drive. Another Knights of Columbus member, Dr. Joseph Provenzano, encouraged Richard to donate blood. At first, Richard was hesitant, remembering the times as a child when he used to run at the sight of a nurse holding a needle! However, Richard’s faith and desire to make a meaningful contribution to his community helped him override his fear, and he now donates whole blood every eight weeks.

Richard now uses the Red Cross Blood App to schedule appointments, keep track of his total donations and track the progress of each donation. As he is a registered donor, Richard can answer at home the general health questions required for each visit. Once he arrives at the donation center, he confirms the responses to the questions. This RapidPass® makes the process more time efficient for the donor. Richard also appreciates that he has a record of each “mini-physical” detailing body temperature, hemoglobin levels, pulse and blood pressure.

Knowing that each pint of blood can help more than one patient, Richard enjoys paying it forward and seeing the impactful results of his contribution. He recalls receiving an email in July 2017 informing him that his blood had been delivered to the Johns Hopkins Hospital. Richard intends to become a platelet donor, too. He also helps promote blood drives on social media to encourage former donors to return and new donors to contribute. 

Download The Blood App by Texting “BLOODAPP” to 90999 or Search “Red Cross Blood” in Your App Store.

Find A Local Blood Drive

My Red Cross Employee Story: Heather Williams

Interviewed by: Ramsha Asad, volunteer

Name: Heather Williams

Hometown: Woodbridge, VA

Staff Role: Blood Production Specialist

Previously serving as a communication specialist in the military, Heather Williams joined the American Red Cross almost 3 years ago after completing her medical degree. Being the staff person in charge of the Fairfax Blood Donation Center, Heather has a very busy job managing blood donations and drives. As a Production Specialist, she is trained to perform a variety of types of donations, including whole blood, double red blood cell and apheresis platelet collection. The type of donation for each individual depends on their blood type, physical characteristics, personal preferences and the availability of convenient donation opportunities. 

Despite the long hours, Heather enjoys working at the Red Cross because of the wonderful staff and the donors she gets to meet. She loves the energetic environment where everyone has a purpose, which is to help ensure the availability of a safe and reliable blood supply in the communities served. Heather and her teammates understand the importance of staying focused so their work can be done carefully. However, her favorite part of her job is meeting donors because she’s inspired by the people she meets, such as families that donate together or people in the hospital who’ve just finished their treatment. She shared the story of one family whose mother was recently diagnosed with cancer. After the mom received blood donations for her treatment, the family now comes to donate blood every two weeks as a way of giving back to the community that has helped them. Stories such as these keep Heather motivated to come to work every day because she’s proud to help people in need.

To learn more about the various types of blood donations, like double red blood cells and platelets, click here.

To find a blood drive near you, click here.

To see current job openings, click here.

You Can Make a Difference. Give Blood

by Emily Goff

It is National Blood Donor Month, and I am thrilled to report that my high school recently embraced the challenge to give the vital gift of blood. Lacking a Red Cross-specific club, Herndon High School had its Key Club student organization promote and organize a blood drive, and the effort was ultimately quite successful! Dozens of students made the decision to give blood to help support those in need. I asked several of the donors to share what sparks their passion to be a blood donor, and the responses I received were touching.

  

“I donate blood every chance I get because I feel it’s important to help others in any way possible, especially with something as important as blood supply. It feels rewarding to help such a great cause and each time I donate that feeling of rewarding never ceases. Knowing that when I donate my blood I am saving three lives is incomparably fulfilling” - Melissa

“I choose to donate blood because I have always wanted to help others, and I felt like this was one way to do so. I feel really good donating! I feel like I have accomplished my goal of helping others who are in need of blood. I would love to do it again; it was a great experience.” - Divya

“I wanted to donate blood because every day someone with cancer or other diseases dies because there is no blood available to them. I felt like even if I was afraid of needles, just by donating 500mL I can hopefully save someone’s life or at least help someone. Also, after donating blood, it feels like I’ve achieved something. I feel really good now that I made the decision to donate blood. I feel like I’m giving back and truly making a difference, and I will gladly do it again whenever I have the opportunity.” - Sujata

These high school students had a gratifying blood donating experience, and the best part is that you can have one too! Everyone’s experience with donating is unique, with many different reasons why people give blood, but the end goal is ultimately the same: supporting fellow humans amid medical struggles. Learn more about how you can help patients receive lifesaving treatments  via blood donation.

All eligible donors are urged to schedule an appointment to give today by using the Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Celebrate National Blood Donor Month

The Season of Giving Continues

Written by: Kathleen Mundie, Red Cross Volunteer

Did you know that one pint of blood can save up to three lives?

The American Red Cross is saluting all of its blood and platelet donors for their life-giving contributions to ill patients. Blood and platelet donors have helped supply community and military hospitals with the blood they need for transfusions, cancer care, and other treatments. We commend our donors for their service and encourage the whole community to contribute lifesaving resources.

It is crucial that the community at large comprehend the importance of donating blood.  Hospitals are always in need of all types of blood, especially type O negative, A negative, and B negative. That is because every two seconds someone in the US needs blood. To learn more about all blood types and about what happened to donated blood, visit RedCrossBlood.org.

Are you ready to roll up your sleeves? Start a SleevesUp virtual blood drive campaign to honor a special occasion with a blood drive. You can even download a Blood App to register for a local blood drive. There’s so many different ways you can help make a difference by saving a life!

#TBT | The Story of Blood

We recently pulled this 1949 booklet out of our archives. It takes readers on a journey through our veins, providing basic blood facts and introducing the Red Cross National Blood Programs. It was a fitting discovery since January is National Blood Donor Month 

Just nine years before the publication of this booklet, the Red Cross took part in a processing program, called Plasma for Britain, for relief of English war victims. One year later, in 1941, the Red Cross began a National Blood Donor Service to collect blood for the U.S. military with Dr. Charles R. Drew, formerly of the Plasma for Britain program, as medial direct.

Since 1970, January has been known as National Blood Donor Month. It's a time when blood organizations like the American Red Cross pay tribute to the nearly 11 million people who give blood each year and encourage others to start the new year off right by coming to give the gift of life. We hope you'll consider making a blood donation appointment! 

Please visit Red Cross Blood Services for more historical information. Additional Red Cross history and significant dates about the Red Cross is available on www.redcross.org.