By Clarice Nassif Ransom, Red Cross volunteer

Meet Steve Cribby, a Red Cross Hero for Babies blood donor from Northern Virginia. Steve is among a rare group of blood donors, only 15% of the U.S. population, whose blood donations are safe to give to infants because it does not contain the flu-like Cytomegalovirus (CMV). CMV can be fatal to babies who need a blood transfusion as part of their medical care, especially those in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), according to the Red Cross.

Steve first started donating blood periodically in college in 1995 and ramped up his blood donation efforts in adulthood after finding out from a Red Cross technician that he had a unique blood type free of CMV that could help save babies.

“The Red Cross technician said, ‘Your blood is special because it is the only type that can be used to help save NICU babies,’” says Steve. “That’s what makes me keep going back regularly to donate blood. I was inspired to learn that I have a special blood type that can be used to help save babies. It makes me feel good that I am giving back to the community and inspires me to keep going back on a regular basis.”

Steve notes that the Red Cross makes it easy to make or reschedule appointments and fill out his pre-donation questionnaire through the Red Cross Bood Donor App.

Over the past decade, Steve has donated a total of more than four gallons of blood in different locations across the country, including Virginia, Vermont and Arizona. He can see his donation record and track data points such as blood pressure, iron (hemoglobin) levels and other information, on the Blood Donor App.

Steve says he also appreciates that the Red Cross tells donors – via email and the app – where their blood donation is used, after it’s processed and shipped to a hospital. It closes the loop and makes him feel connected to the lives he’s helped save.

“What is also cool,” he adds, “is the Red Cross sends me an email notification after I donate that says ‘your blood went to help a baby’s life’,” says Steve.

The American Red Cross sends pediatric-specific blood products to hospitals throughout the country every day. Steve encourages everyone who is eligible to donate blood.

“If you are considering donating blood, every unit of blood can save multiple lives,” says Steve. “I enjoy donating blood. It’s safe, it’s quick and it’s rewarding. There is nothing to be fearful of and you are helping others.”

Steve said he also likes that Red Cross blood donors can earn points for their donations that can be turned in at the end of the year for items such as t-shirts and travel mugs, which he appreciates.

The Red Cross collects, processes and distributes about 40% of the nation’s blood supply. The need for blood is constant. Check out how you how you can schedule a blood donation and give the gift of life.