By: Betsy Robertson

Justin Romero wanted a job that would make a difference. He had already moved on from a career setting tiles and was working in a wrecking yard when a friend told him the Red Cross was hiring. 

“I interviewed and they loved me and hired me,” he recalls.

That was early in 2023. Today, Justin can enthusiastically say, “I like working with people. I love what I do. I’m also really good at it.”

He knows he is doing something to give back to the community and be part of something special. Justin says, working as a phlebotomist for the American Red Cross is about saving lives.

“Ultimately, that’s what it means to me. My dad died from leukemia. Before his death, he had transfusions a couple of times a month, for a few years.”

It’s a fact he’s shared with many of the donors he’s worked with while thanking them for their gifts. And though he lost one important member of his family, this work gave him the opportunity to move closer to others. He also found a community he wasn’t expecting.

“I’ve always wanted to be part of something special. And that’s what it is. The Red Cross is a big family.”

Author's note: Justin really is very good at his job! He drew my blood the day this article was written. It was the best experience I've had to date. Thank you, Justin, for making my blood donation easy and fun. 

The American Red Cross is facing an emergency blood shortage and urges people to make an appointment to give now to help patients across the country receive lifesaving medical treatments.

You can help. Make an appointment to give blood or platelets now using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800 RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).