Media Contact: Marita Salkowski
513-477-1694 | marita.salkowski@redcross.org

APRIL 20, 2026 — National Volunteer Week is being observed from April 19 through April 25 and the Central & Southern Ohio Region of the American Red Cross, would like to honor those who are the heart of the organization ─ the dedicated volunteers who contribute their time and talent to make the Red Cross mission possible every day.

Generations of American Red Cross volunteers have helped and supported people in need since the organization was founded in 1881. Volunteers make up 90 percent of the Red Cross workforce. These skilled and devoted volunteers support blood drives, assist military families, respond to disasters of all sizes and help with every aspect of the Red Cross mission.

Here in Central & Southern Ohio, more than 4,163 people volunteer with the Red Cross. Nationally, more than 325,000 individuals volunteer their time to support the mission of the American Red Cross. They join the more than 17 million Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers working for the good of humanity in more than 191 countries across the globe.

This month, we’ve been highlighting our remarkable volunteers and their wide range of work on our regional Facebook page. On Saturday, April 25, we’ll host our volunteers at seven different celebrations around the region. Each celebration will be held from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. and the media are invited to attend.

As the Red Cross honors and recognizes our volunteers during National Volunteer Week, we invite people to join a team working together to make an impact.

Right now, there is a critical need for people to fill these roles. Free training will be provided.

• DISASTER ACTION TEAM The vast majority of emergencies we respond to are local, personal crises like home fires. These events may not make headlines, but they shatter lives. For more than 60 years, our Disaster Action Team volunteers have been ready 24/7, 365 days a year — to deliver immediate relief, emotional support and long-term recovery resources. When disaster strikes, we make sure families never face it alone.
• SHELTER RESIDENT TRANSITION ASSOCIATE The Shelter Resident Transition (SRT) Service Associate (SA) is part of the response to a larger disaster. These caseworkers work with shelter residents to help them create an action plan so that they can transition from the shelter to a more sustainable living solution, helping to jumpstart their recovery.
• BLOOD DONOR AMBASSADOR If you enjoy connecting with people, consider becoming a Blood Donor Ambassador. Ambassadors help ensure every blood donor has a positive experience from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave. You’ll greet donors, assist with registration, answer questions, share helpful information and offer refreshments after their donation. Whether you volunteer regularly or occasionally is up to you.
• BLOOD TRANSPORTATION SPECIALISTS Our Blood Transportation Specialists bring lifesaving blood and blood products to local hospitals within their region. They choose when they want to help with either scheduled shifts or our on-demand opportunities. As an on-demand volunteer you can choose shifts that fit your schedule. You will receive real-time alerts when hospitals have a critical request for urgently needed blood and be on your way to the distribution site within 30-120 minutes. Your time driving could be the difference in helping save a patient’s life.