Start the new year right by becoming a Red Cross volunteer.

Every two seconds a patient in the United States needs a blood transfusion. As the single largest supplier of blood products to hospitals in the U.S., the American Red Cross is seeking volunteer transportation specialists to help deliver lifesaving blood products to hospitals across Montana for patients in need.

Transportation specialists help ensure that blood products are available when and where they are needed for patients with serious medical conditions. Accident and burn victims, heart surgery patients, organ transplant patients and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease may all need blood or platelets.

“Transporting blood products is an integral part of fulfilling the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross,” said Gini Kay, Red Cross of Montana recruitment specialist. “If driving and helping your community is something you enjoy, we want to hear from you.”

Volunteer shifts generally include travel between Montana cities such as Missoula, Kalispell, Bozeman, Helena and Great Falls and involve some evening driving. Training will be provided.

Volunteers must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Have a valid driver’s license with a minimum of three years driving experience
• Be able to verify a safe driving record with insurance
• Be able to lift boxes of lifesaving blood products of up to 45 pounds for hospital deliveries
• Be available to volunteer for two to four shifts per month (flexible schedules available)  

Those interested in learning more or applying can contact Gini Kay at 406-493-8778 or email IDMT.Recruiting@redcross.org.