By Sakinah Khuram, Public Affairs/Communications Volunteer

Red Cross team members come from many different backgrounds, each bringing a unique perspective. This Phlebotomist Recognition Week, we share the story of Cassandra Richardson, a collections specialist II (CSII), charge* and donor services culture ambassador at the Georgia Regional Headquarters. She joined the Red Cross in 2020 and her story exemplifies the life-changing power of giving back.

Richardson’s connection to the Red Cross is deeply personal. After receiving a lifesaving blood transfusion during a medical emergency, she found her calling. Every day, she works to make sure that blood is available for patients in need, inspiring her team and donors with positivity and dedication.

Congratulations on being selected as a Donor Services Culture Ambassador! That’s such an exciting achievement. Could you share what this role entails, what it means to you personally and how you plan to make a positive impact in this new capacity? This role involves me helping to keep the team motivated and promote the culture of the Red Cross by providing feedback, spreading positivity and encouraging my fellow team members when they need support, especially during busy times like the holidays when many donors are coming and going. My goal is to keep everyone engaged.

I understand that a number of years ago, you received a lifesaving blood transfusion. Could you please tell us a bit about your experience and what happened? I was working for a different blood bank, my old job, when I was bleeding out significantly and didn’t realize how bad it was, walking around every day not realizing how close to death I was. One day, I was rushed to the hospital emergency room. The doctors told me I was going to need a blood transfusion to survive and to have the surgery that was necessary, I needed more units of blood. I received four units the night before surgery and the rest during it. As you can see, it was a scary ordeal. I was worried about the type of blood I was getting, like any other person would be: if the blood was good, not tainted, and even if it was going to be available for me. But I just had to trust the powers that be and know that whatever was going to happen was going to happen.

How do you think that experience has influenced the way you interact with blood donors? That experience made me want to give back and help others in need. It gives me something to connect with because I have a personal story. I’m sure most people who come in to give and receive blood all have a story. This gives me a chance to connect and bridge the gap between the donors and me, especially when they’re scared and nervous and it’s their first time. I speak to them about my experience, and you’d be surprised, we all have similar, very similar experiences and backgrounds. They love hearing stories. I love hearing theirs. Sometimes we cry and that experience is what made me want to give back.

What advice would you give to someone who is hesitant about donating blood? I would say just do it. Take a deep breath, take yourself out of the equation, and think about the people in the hospital, especially our babies, who need our blood.

Fun fact about Richardson: she is scared of needles.