By Airik Myers, Northwest Region

As the nation faces a critical blood shortage, the American Red Cross and the U.S. Army came together in Yakima this July with a shared goal: helping ensure patients continue to receive the lifesaving blood they need. It brought together soldiers, civilian staff and volunteers in support of patients across the region and beyond.

The Yakima Training Center, an Army training facility under the command of Joint Base Lewis‑McChord, opened its doors and rallied its team to make the drive possible. For the Red Cross, the timing couldn’t have been more important. The blood supply fell nearly 25% in June and is days away from crisis levels. Every unit collected helps ensure hospitals can continue caring for trauma patients, cancer patients and families facing medical emergencies.

A Partnership Built on Service

Analice Jones, who has worked in blood collections at the Red Cross for three years, said the collaboration came together quickly thanks to strong relationships between the Red Cross and military leadership. “The Yakima team was incredible,” she said. “They were welcoming, organized, and committed to making sure the drive was successful.”

Soldiers didn’t just donate. They showed their support throughout the day, even bringing tacos for lunch and helping create a sense of camaraderie for everyone involved.

A Helicopter, a Photo, and What It Represents

One of the photos taken at the drive shows Red Cross staff standing beside a military helicopter. The helicopter provided a memorable backdrop, but it also reflected a value shared by both organizations: readiness to help when people need it most.

Timothy Goolsby, who leads blood program logistics at the Training Center, explained that the helicopter symbolizes readiness, the Army’s commitment to responding quickly when people need help. “Whether it’s training, deployment, or supporting the community, we’re always preparing to help,” he said. “Partnering with the Red Cross is part of that.”

Red Cross Account Manager Nathan Boots had the chance to see the helicopter up close. “Timothy walked me through how they use it,” Nathan said. “It was a reminder of how seriously the Army takes its role in protecting and supporting people, both on and off the field.”

Meeting the Moment Together

During times of increased need, drives like this one help maintain a stable blood supply for patients who depend on transfusions every day. The event also highlighted the impact that strong community partnerships can have in meeting that need.

“This is what community looks like,” Analice said. “Different teams, different roles, but one purpose: helping people who need us.”

Looking Ahead

The Red Cross hopes this collaboration will inspire future partnerships across the region. The Yakima Training Center team has already expressed interest in continuing to support blood drives, and Red Cross staff are eager to build on the momentum.

With blood supplies still critically low, the Red Cross encourages eligible donors to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Every donation can help save lives.

To give blood, visit RedCrossBlood.org, use the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or call 1‑800‑RED CROSS.