Not Eligible to Donate Blood for Haiti? Volunteer with the Red Cross

Donating blood is one way to support the Red Cross in the ongoing relief efforts being supplied to earthquake victims in Haiti. What if you don't meet the requirements to donate blood? What other volunteer opportunities are available?

The American Red Cross reports that only 38% of the general populace in the United States meets the physical criteria to give blood, and a mere 8% of those eligible actually donate. If unable to give blood yourself, there are several other ways you can volunteer to assist Haitians and others struck by tragedy by supporting the Red Cross in your area.

Volunteer Clerical Support to the Red Cross

There are many things that go on behind the scenes of a blood drive, and office staff is important to the day to day operations of the American Red Cross as well as a blood drive itself. Volunteers make phone calls soliciting donations, type correspondence and provide other data entry services, man copy and fax machines - literally all types of clerical support that keep any office functioning smoothly.

Volunteer to Host a Red Cross Blood Drive

If there are no blood drives scheduled in your area (you can find out by entering your zip code here), volunteer to host one. Think of suitable facilities that may be available at your place of employment, church, school, or civic organization.

The host will need to secure the location for the blood drive, advertise the event, and help schedule donor appointments. A Red Cross representative will help to organize the event and provide all medical personnel and supplies necessary for a successful blood drive.

Volunteer During a Red Cross Blood Drive

If there is a blood drive scheduled in your area, you can provide assistance during the event by greeting donors and signing them in, talking with blood donors to help alleviate any fears of the donation process, or serve refreshments.

If you're a bit squeamish and prefer not to be in the area where blood is being drawn, you may be able to provide a courier service to get the blood supplies to local hospitals.

To find out what specific Red Cross volunteer opportunities are available in your area, click here and enter your zip code.

Source:
RedCrossBlood.org