By John Heuvelman, American Red Cross
 

Throughout my adult life, I have been passionate about donating blood and blood products.

I first donated as a student in college, and from that time forward I was determined to make it a frequent and important event in my life. First as a whole blood donor, then for the last 12 years as a platelet donor, I have been a regular and frequent visitor to Red Cross donation centers and remote blood drives.

I am grateful that my health has allowed me to donate 44 gallons of blood and platelets through the Red Cross.

As I entered retirement in 2021, I looked to contribute in more and different ways. Free of the time commitments that my career as an IT executive had demanded, I looked for ways to spend more time giving back to the community through volunteering. I was already familiar with the Red Cross and its mission; additional research informed me of the importance of volunteers in that mission. 

Armed with that knowledge, I sought out volunteer opportunities with the Red Cross straightaway, joining the Greater St. Louis Chapter near my hometown of St. Peters.  

In three years as a Red Cross volunteer, I have been engaged as a National Volunteer Scheduling Specialist, a Blood Services Transportation Specialist, a Blood Donor Ambassador, and a Disaster Action Team observer.

These experiences have given me a better appreciation of the great variety of ways in which the Red Cross touches the lives of communities around the country and the world.

As a Blood Donor Ambassador, I check donors and get them ready to donate blood. I’ve have had the opportunity to talk to many who so graciously give their time and health to others. In doing so, I’ve seen time and time again the selflessness and spirit of helping others that they possess.

Many donate as frequently as they are able, asking for nothing and receiving only the satisfaction of a good deed done, and perhaps an occasional T-shirt. Also inspiring is the work of the phlebotomists at the Donor Centers and the remote drives.

In my role as a Blood Services Transportation Specialist, I take the blood from where it is donated to where it is needed. I have had the honor to interact with a variety of health care professionals and Red Cross employees as they perform the important yet often overlooked contributions they make to the health and well-being of members of our communities.

I have come to appreciate the large, complex network it takes to bring blood products and often life-saving medical care to those who need it, and the dedication the members of that network bring to their work.

While I have just begun to be involved with the Disaster Action Teams, I am amazed by their readiness and willingness to set aside personal priorities at a moment’s notice to respond to crises that arrive, especially people displaced by home fires. The help and comfort they give should not be understated and is truly inspirational.

During my travels I have encountered people from other countries who have also volunteered with the Red Cross. The positive impact of our organization literally spans the globe.

I thanked a man who drives ambulances in France for his efforts in service of the Red Cross. He replied by thanking me for my part in donating and delivering the blood that allows him to help save lives.

These actions and a thousand others like them help the Red Cross realize its important mission. I am thankful to be able to play a small role in that work.

Like John, you too can play a role in helping others by volunteering for the Red Cross. Visit redcross.org/Volunteer for more information.