By: Jake Bruder, Public Affairs/Communications Volunteer

In the heart of Georgia, where compassion meets action, the American Red Cross welcomes Garrett Reid as the new Regional Donor Services Executive. Reid’s journey to the Red Cross is more than a career move; it is a personal mission fueled by a family legacy and a profound realization of the impact of blood donation.

“I have never received a blood donation from the Red Cross. But I saw and experienced the impact of the service through my grandfather,” Reid shares.

You see, many years earlier, Reid’s grandfather, Jack, was in a major car accident that nearly cost him his life. Medical providers went to work providing aid to Jack who ended up needing 80 units of blood throughout the process. Although witnessing the impact of the donations left its mark, the true scope and scale came from Jack remaining in Reid’s life.

He saw firsthand the monumental difference those donations made in his own life. Each day growing up, Jack’s presence reminded Reid of the power and importance of donating blood and how the Red Cross can help others. The experience shaped Reid’s path towards service in the Red Cross and a leadership role in donor services.

Fast-forward to today and Reid stands at the forefront of the Red Cross mission to help save lives and deliver impact to those in need. He works daily to ensure blood donations to the Red Cross make it to those in need across the country. Although his office is in Georgia, the operations under his management reach across the United States where every two seconds someone needs blood or platelets.

“Many people are often surprised when they find out that their donations (of blood, plasma, and platelets) end up going to people in need all over the place. It is an essential and critical job that helps save lives,” Reid explains.

It is inspiring to hear Reid’s expertise and calmness as he explains the scale and scope of what the Red Cross does. The Red Cross provides about 40% of the nation’s blood, all from generous volunteer donors with an estimated 6.8 million people giving blood nationwide each year.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the blood donation process and procedures, setting standards for collecting, testing, and distributing blood. Blood and platelets cannot be manufactured, they only come from volunteer donors. With each donation capable of yielding plasma, red and white blood cells, and platelets, the impact of every donor spreads across multiple areas in need.

Reid emphasizes that the national network of the Red Cross means a single donation can reach and rescue individuals across the country, although it is not without its challenges. Reid describes a recent period that is familiar to most readers: the pandemic. In 2022, the Red Cross faced a national blood crisis, the worst blood shortage in over a decade, posing a concerning risk to patient care.

“COVID was a challenging time because lockdowns and restrictions made it difficult for volunteers to donate. But we learned a lot, increased our communication efforts, and found ways to make the process easier,” Reid said.

The Red Cross improved the process for blood product donations through the introduction of the Blood Donor app and RapidPass®. Rather than filling out forms when they arrive, donors can schedule an appointment online or on the app, fill out the required information, learn what to expect and see answers to frequently asked questions. With the Blood Donor app, a volunteer can even see their health vitals and track their blood’s journey to a hospital or medical facility.

This initiative saves valuable time and enriches the donor experience, encouraging more people to participate in this lifesaving act.

“Most volunteers spend around 30 minutes now when they go to donate blood,” says Reid. “Some appointments take an hour, but the technology helps us be efficient and respectful of volunteers’ time.”

Understanding that not everyone can donate blood, Reid highlights the multitude of other ways to contribute to the mission, which relies heavily on volunteers. In fact, volunteers make up 90% of the Red Cross workforce.

“Some people cannot donate blood. And some people do not want to. We understand that and tell them there are many opportunities to volunteer, either as a blood ambassador, assisting donors through the process, or even helping hand out snacks to blood donors.”

Every volunteer effort is critical to supporting the Red Cross and its mission to make a difference for those in need, especially when it comes to donating blood.

“There is power and purpose in knowing that what you do can change someone’s life. It is what drives me every day,” reflects Reid.

Reid continues to serve with passion and inspiration from his experience with the Red Cross. His message to others is that the Red Cross is a unique organization with a truly exceptional network of volunteers that allows for constantly helping those in need. Every volunteer has an impact and through the Red Cross, everyone can serve with purpose by donating blood, time, resources or money.

For those interested in donating blood or volunteering with the donation process, visit redcrossblood.org. Even if you cannot donate blood, there are always opportunities to volunteer and support the Red Cross with your unique skills. Visit redcross.org/volunteer to find a way to help that fits you.

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 social media.