Story told by: Nick Gibson 

Jessica Sakhai is a senior public health major at the University of South Carolina, who currently volunteers as a Blood Donor Ambassador with the American Red Cross of South Carolina. 

If you ever walk into our blood donation center in Columbia, you’ll likely see Jessica welcoming potential blood donors, helping get them checked in, and ensuring their experience starts on a positive note as they prepare to help save lives. 

Jessica says this position has given her valuable knowledge and a deeper understanding of the importance of blood donations and the lifesaving impact it has on others. 

“Sometimes they’ll be walk-ins or on the schedule,” said Jessica. “They can be contemplating whether to do whole blood, platelets, power reds and asking the differences.” 

Each day, the Red Cross needs to collect about 12,500 blood donations and nearly 3,000 platelet donations to meet the needs of patients at about 2,500 hospitals and other facilities across the country. The Red Cross also provides about 40% of the nation’s blood supply. 

These blood donations help ensure new parents, premature babies, cancer patients, and accident victims have access to safe, lifesaving blood. 

As a volunteer blood donor ambassador, you’ll ensure every blood donor has a wonderful experience from start to finish. All of our ambassadors greet donors with a warm smile, assist them with checking in, and express heartfelt thanks for their generous donation. Each shift you our blood donor ambassadors take helps save lives. 

Jessica says she always has those conversations when she speaks with a blood donor. 

“Just honestly starting a friendly conversation, it’s just really touching, and I have definitely found connection within,” said Jessica. “I just really admire the community that the Red Cross created within the workspace. How friendly everyone is, and everyone is always working together.” 

For Jessica, being a Blood Donor Ambassador has been a truly eye-opening experience, one that has broadened her perspective and left an impression she says she will never forget. 

“One of the most impactful aspects of this experience is definitely firsthand seeing how each donor contributes to patient care,” said Jessica. “Those patients who are in treatment need those frequent transfusions that’s just something that’s very touching.” 

Your time and talents can make an impact. Find the best way for you to get involved by visiting
redcross.org/volunteer.