Media Contact: Edgar Zuniga
Regional Communication Manager
edgar.zuniga@redcross.org | 385-232-6300

SALT LAKE CITY (April 13, 2022) — National Volunteer Week is April 17-23, and the American Red Cross of Utah honors the work of its volunteers who give their time to help people in need.

Across the country, more than 300,000 Red Cross volunteers serve their communities by responding to thousands of disasters; supporting the collection of blood to help patients receive the critical care they need; supporting members of the military and their families; helping communities prepare for emergencies around the globe and much more.

Here in Utah, more than 900 volunteers helped their community in 2021 alone logging in more than 45,000 hours. “The American Red Cross world revolves, and our mission impact is felt in our communities due to the incredible work of our committed volunteers, said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “I am proud to work alongside all of them every day.” 

Last year, volunteers in Utah provided food, shelter, comfort and hope to more than 800 families who faced emergency situations. Volunteer also provided services to more than 2,300 military members, veterans and their families.

Please consider becoming a Red Cross volunteer to help families in need. Visit redcross.org/VolunteerToday to learn more, including about our most-needed volunteer positions:

• In just a few hours per month, you can help save countless lives as a BLOOD DONOR AMBASSADORS.  These volunteers check blood donors into their appointments, answer questions and give out post donation snacks. Training is easy and online. Learn more here.
• Got a bit more time? How about joining the team of volunteers who drive the blood from donors to the patients in hospitals?  TRANSPORTATION SPECIALISTS support hospital patients by delivering blood from Red Cross facilities to local hospitals. If you have a little free time, love driving, and enjoy meeting new people, the Red Cross has a great volunteer spot waiting for you. Learn more here.

• Most of the 60,000 emergencies that the Red Cross responds to each year are smaller disasters like home fires. As a DISASTER ACTION TEAM volunteer, you can help comfort and support people in your community by meeting any immediate needs such as food, shelter, clothing or supplies and connecting them to long term recovery services. We supply all the training you need. Learn more here.

PLEASE GIVE BLOOD The Red Cross invites the public to sign up to become a volunteer blood or platelet donor To schedule an appointment to donate blood or platelets, people can download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on Twitter at @RedCross.