Eric Arcaina was hired in 2011 as a technician, but that wasn’t his first encounter with the Red Cross. A family friend initially recommended the organization to Arcaina while he was a college student, leading to him becoming a volunteer. After graduating college, his volunteering evolved into a more active role within the organization. A freshly graduated college student, the Red Cross afforded him many opportunities and he found comfort in the people he was working with. Arcaina ultimately transitioned into a role as a technician in 2011 before becoming a manufacturing supervisor focusing on second-stage cryo around a year ago.
The workplace environment, for Arcaina, allows for impactful professional development. “Many people have been there for more than 30 years,” said Arcaina. “There’s something magical about that.”
Adding to that magical environment are the close friends and family that work alongside him. Arcaina’s mother works as a medical director, while his fiancée recently began working in the same building. Though they are in different departments, the rarity of such a situation does not escape Arcaina’s awareness. Arcaina’s journey with the Red Cross has left him with lifelong lessons. “Wherever you are, it’s part of the journey. Anyone working at the Red Cross is working toward one united goal,” said Arcaina.
Between Magana and Arcaina, there’s a shared sense of unity that comes with working within the Red Cross. “We’re all in it for the same reason,” Magana states. “It makes you feel good knowing that you’re part of saving lives; It makes you proud.”
How you can help:
Blood donations to the Red Cross help ensure new moms, premature babies, cancer patients and accident victims have access to safe, lifesaving blood. Schedule an appointment to donate blood today by visiting redcrossblood.org.