In March 2025, the Northern Arizona counties of Apache, Coconino, Mohave, Navajo, and Yavapai officially became part of the newly established Northern Arizona Red Cross Chapter. Previously part of the Northern and Central Arizona Chapter, this new Chapter was created to better focus on and strengthen Red Cross programs and services across these communities. The vision is to partner with our communities to develop and foster safer families, neighborhoods and worksites. Serving as a leading public benefit corporation, we will promote a system of community self-sufficiency and compassionate response when emergencies arise.

The Chapter’s Executive Director, Henning Bry Larsen, has over 20 years of experience in volunteer training, community organizing, and project management. Henning is committed to fostering resilience and preparedness in Northern Arizona. One of the more visible programs of the Red Cross is blood drives. Having an abundance of blood products available locally ensures that our community’s hospitals are prepared to address the needs of their residents on a daily basis, as well as during disasters and emergency situations. Mr. Larsen explains the importance of blood donation, “Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. At some point in our lives, we will all have someone we love need this live-saving resource. Blood is essential to help patients survive surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries, but only about 3% of age-eligible people donate blood yearly.  When you step up and donate blood, or host a drive, you are saving the life of someone’s parent, child, friend, or spouse. You can help the American Red Cross ensure that supply meets demand and be a hero in someone’s life.”

With this in mind, the Red Cross is looking for organizations, agencies and companies in Flagstaff that would be interested in holding blood drives. The hosting organization would need to provide an open space of at least 1000sqft, that is climate controlled, has electric outlets and nearby restrooms; some table and chairs; and parking. The Red Cross provides everything else. Additional information about hosting a blood drive is available at: www.redcrossblood.org.

New volunteers are needed in order to make the Northern Arizona Chapter successful. At blood drives volunteers, known as Blood Donor Ambassadors (BDAs), act as receptionist and liaison between blood donors and phlebotomists during blood drives. BDAs provide excellent and enthusiastic customer service to enhance the blood donor experience, while engaging with blood donors to promote a long-term commitment to regular blood donations. BDAs assist donors with re-hydrating after donation and observe for post-donation reactions. BDAs sign up for a minimum of one (5-hour) shift per every 3 months at a blood drive location in their community. This position is 100% in-person.

Interested in hosting a drive or becoming a Blood Donor Ambassador for Flagstaff blood drives? Contact: Janet Dubiel, Northern Arizona Blood Program Community Volunteer Leader at janet.dubiel@redcross.org