Volunteers make up 90% of the Red Cross workforce and are the beating heart and soul of our organization. The Southwest Chapter of the American Red Cross Indiana Region has a critical need for volunteers serving as blood donor ambassadors and blood transportation specialists. During Red Cross Month in March, we’re inviting people to give back to their community as a Red Cross volunteer.

JOIN US – VOLUNTEER In the Southwest Chapter, we currently need more than 30 blood donor ambassadors to ensure every blood donor has a wonderful experience from start to finish. We also have an urgent need for blood transportation specialists, who serve as a critical link between blood donors and blood recipients. These roles are a great fit for those who want to make an immediate difference and help ensure lifesaving blood is available to patients in need.

• Blood donor ambassadors: Engage with blood donors by greeting them at blood drives, helping them register, answering questions, providing information and assisting them at the refreshments table. Shifts are typically five to six hours and people can volunteer on a regular basis or as their schedule allows.
• Blood transportation specialists: Volunteer transportation specialists support hospital patients by delivering blood from our facilities to local hospitals for on-demand, or ‘stat’, shifts which do not have a minimum time commitment. Volunteers can schedule their availability using a mobile app and will receive notifications for on-demand deliveries when hospitals need blood delivered within a 30-minute timeframe. Volunteers must be at least 18 and have a valid driver's license as well as be able to lift up to 50 pounds. 

The need to help has never been greater. Join our lifesaving mission and play a critical role in your community. Visit redcross.org/volunteer and get started today.

Click here to access b-roll.

RED CROSS MONTH Red Cross Month is a national tradition that began in March 1943 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the first Red Cross Month proclamation – and each U.S. president has followed ever since. During Red Cross Month, we proudly recognize the individuals who represent the best of humanity by stepping up to care for neighbors and deliver support when emergencies can’t wait.

HOW TO HELP Visit redcross.org/GivingDay to make a financial donation and be part of our annual Giving Day on March 26. A gift of any size helps provide emergency shelter, food, relief supplies, basic health care, emotional support and financial assistance for people affected by disasters big and small. Visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment to give blood in March, when the Red Cross will offer free A1C screening for diabetes and pre-diabetes on all successful donations.

About the American Red Cross Indiana Region:
The American Red Cross of Indiana Region serves 6.9 million people in 104 counties in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Ohio through its chapters: Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest, and Greater Indianapolis (Regional Headquarters). The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit us at Redcross.org/Indiana or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @indianaredcross. LinkedIn: American Red Cross of Indiana.