Blood is a precious resource but has a limited shelf life. With blood donations slowing down during the holiday season, maintaining an adequate blood supply becomes even more critical in helping yield life-saving blood products for surgical procedures, traumatic injuries, and chronic illnesses.
Why I donate blood: Kathleen Lappe
Kathleen Lappe's brother was only eight years old when he was diagnosed with a staph infection and as a result had to go undergo several major operations. This harrowing experience of watching her baby brother spend many weeks in the hospital to get blood transfusions became Kathleen's motivation to becoming a blood donor.
Honoring his memory: Why Carol Perfect has been donating blood for 30 years
“The fact that you are helping someone have a better quality of life is so rewarding,” said Carol. One act of donating can help with someone’s ongoing treatment or play a critical role in saving their life.
AmeriCorps Story of Service: Jessie Rounsley
The American Red Cross is known for many different things - disaster relief, fundraising, and of course - blood drives. The blood collected at these drives supplies 45% of transfused blood nationwide. Being one of the only agencies in the country that hosts blood drives, it’s a big deal when you get to host or … Continue reading AmeriCorps Story of Service: Jessie Rounsley
Why I Volunteer: Soniya Ahmed
When I moved from Edmonton in 2016, I was looking for a volunteer position. I knew about the Red Cross because I was a blood donor and hoped to volunteer one day. When I saw a Red Cross volunteer position posted online, I immediately jumped at the opportunity. Having a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration … Continue reading Why I Volunteer: Soniya Ahmed
How the Red Cross Manages America’s Blood Supply
by Gordon Williams Pictures by Gordon Williams The Red Cross relies on many skills in carrying out its mission: disaster responders and first aid teachers, mass care workers and water safety instructors. But did you know that in fulfilling one critical element of its mission, the Red Cross relies on trained medical technicians known as … Continue reading How the Red Cross Manages America’s Blood Supply
American Red Cross NW Region 