Since 1881, the American Red Cross has been running a respected and well known organization, helping save lives and provide for those in need, with life saving services, from blood donations, disaster aid, and certified training. Diversity, value and respect are the main characteristics of the American Red Cross.
I've been a donor since my sophomore year of high school; through the rest of my high school career and college I've been involved, with being a blood donor, volunteering in the canteen or being a greeter. The American Red Cross deserves much thanks!
Blood Donors and Recipients
Blood donation demands are at an ultimate high at the current moment. Whether this is your first or 10th time, your donation will help immensely. Bring a friend or family member.
Taking approximately 30 minutes from checking in with the greeters, going through the simple medical check and history (time can be shortened with a Rapid Pass), setting up the blood bags for your donation, bleed time, and resting in the recovery area, it can run quickly.
Deferrals happen; this can be for many reasons and can be a temporary or permanent deferral. Ask the Blood Drive worker to explain if needed or call 1(866)236-3276 for additional information.
At times you'll receive an email of where your donation went -- it's typically to a hospital, but at times you may see that it has been sent to a specific person and it is accompanied with a personal thank you from the patient.
There are special services offered (availability varies). You can donate to yourself, called an Autologous Donation, when you have a surgery and your physician advises using only your blood. Aphaeresis Blood Donation is taking certain components from a pint of blood then the pint returns to you. Plasma helps patients with bleeding problems. Platelet donations help clotting. Whole blood is the most common. http://www.redcross.org/give-blood
Disaster Relief
Ever eight minutes the Red Cross responds to an emergency. Humanitarian Services are important because most responders are volunteers and will come out to help no matter the disaster. http://www.redcross.org/about-us/our-work/disaster...
Scholarships
Leaders Save Lives Scholarship Program is the scholarship offered to both high school and college students sponsored by the American Red Cross. http://www.redcrossblood.org/leaderssavelives
High School Leadership Program is based on your blood donations, hours of service with the Red Cross and blood donation referrals. You will have a chance as a senior to win a scholarship and a red cord to wear at graduation; possibly through your school you will receive a scholarship for your service. Ask your school's counselor. http://leader.redcrossblood.org
Volunteer
Give your time, even just a few hours to help a Blood Drive run smoothly, help as a disaster aid worker, or help in the office. Your time helping is much appreciated! Conversing with the donors or other volunteers helps the time pass and builds confidence. It is a great thing to be a volunteer!
http://www.redcross.org/volunteer/become-a-volunter
Donating
Donations are tax deductible and make it possible for the Red Cross to run efficiently and as well as it has been for all these years. https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation
Training
First aid, CPR, babysitting and child care and EMT training is some of the available certified services offered.
http://www.redcross.org/ux/take-a-class
If you have any questions about donating or volunteering, call 1 (800) 733-2767.
Special thanks to http://bloodcenter.stanford.edu/donate/ and http://www.redcrossblood.org
Thank you!
