Story told by: Acacia Cameron, Red Cross Volunteer 

For Yolanda Taylor, donating blood isn’t just a routine act, it’s a tribute to her late father and a mission to help others live longer, healthier lives. Her story shows how one person’s commitment can inspire a whole community to roll up their sleeves and be a part of the solution. 

In 2017, Yolanda’s father was diagnosed with cancer. As his hemoglobin levels dropped, he needed several blood transfusions per week. After he passed away in 2018, Yolanda turned her grief into action, becoming a regular donor herself. 

“Seeing my dad go through that opened my eyes to how critical blood donations really are,” Yolanda said. “It made me grateful for every donor who helped him.”  

For the past two years, Yolanda has donated blood with a growing frequency. She has set a personal goal to donate once every two months and encourages others to get out and donate. To help reach more people with her message, Yolanda posts videos on social media, which her friends and fellow church members often share.  

“One pint could save someone’s life,” she explains. “When you donate, think of someone else… You never know when that blood could help a friend, family member, or neighbor.” 

The need for blood is constant. Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. The American Red Cross must collect around 12,500 blood donations and nearly 3,000 platelet donations every day to help accident victims, surgery and transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for cancer or sickle cell disease. Yet, despite about 62% of the U.S. population being eligible to donate, only about 3% do. 

Blood donations from African American donors, like Yolanda, are especially critical. Patients with sickle cell disease, which disproportionately affects Black communities, often rely on closely matched blood to avoid complications. Since launching the Sickle Cell Initiative in 2021, more than 139,000 first-time African American donors have given blood, strengthening and diversifying the nation’s donor base. 

“I’m usually in and out in about 30–45 minutes,” said Yolanda, who wants everyone to know that donating blood is quick, easy, and nearly painless. “I don’t think of myself. While donating, think of someone else. You’re giving someone else an opportunity to live longer.” 

Summer can make it especially hard to keep the blood supply strong. Vacations, severe weather, and hurricane season — which started in June — can all disrupt blood drives. That’s why the Red Cross is urging donors to help stay prepared by giving blood or platelets. Join Yolanda in saving lives this summer: make an appointment to give by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS, or downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App.