Meet Katie. She is passionate about blood donor recruitment and proud of the impact her work has on her community. Learn more about her role, how she spends her time and what fuels her commitment to her work. Katie (center) with her husband and son. Q: Could you explain what your title means and take us through your workday, or what projects you work on? A: As the donor recruitment supervisor for the Omaha donor recruitment team, I serve as both a creative and operational resource, guiding...

On Thursday, Red Cross volunteers and staff from the Nebraska-Iowa Region gathered in person and online for the Nebraska-Iowa One Red Cross Volunteer Awards to celebrate each other’s work and many accomplishments in 2025. The sense of community was palpable at each chapter party, and even for those watching the event online. Eastern Iowa chapter awardees Volunteers were recognized for their hours of commitment, outstanding leadership and more. Those selected for awards were nominated by their...

As daylight saving time ends this Sunday, November 2, we will turn our clocks back an hour. While you’re adjusting your clocks, take a few minutes to test your smoke alarms. This simple action could protect you and your family in the event of a home fire. “Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half,” says Emily Holley, Regional Communications Manager for the Nebraska-Iowa Red Cross. “You only have about two minutes to escape a burning home safely. Every second counts,...

Meet Rebecca. She is a vital member of our biomedical services team. Her work ensures that enough blood drives are scheduled to maintain a healthy blood supply. She is also a busy mom and passionate advocate for volunteering in her community. Q: Could you explain what your title means and take us through your workday, or what projects you work on?  A: I am the Iowa East strategic business planner, which means that I am in charge of planning and booking our drives on the calendar, as well as...

By Janet Flanagan Most Red Cross volunteers don’t hop in a plane to respond to a local disaster. But Mike and Linda Nielsen of McCook, Neb., have.   Since they live in a rural area close to the borders of Kansas and Colorado, Mike Nielsen’s Beechcraft Sierra four-seat airplane can sometimes get them to a Red Cross emergency scene faster than a car.   Linda and Mike Nielsen The Nielsens have responded to fires, floods and other disasters in Southwest Nebraska since 2008. They’re ready to offer...