Every two seconds a patient in the United States needs a blood transfusion. As the single largest supplier of blood products to hospitals in the U.S., the American Red Cross is seeking volunteer transportation specialists to help deliver lifesaving blood products to Pennsylvania hospitals for patients in need.
Transportation specialists help ensure that blood products are available when and where they are needed for patients with serious medical conditions. Accident and burn victims, heart surgery patients, organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease may all need blood or platelets. The American Red Cross Greater Alleghenies Blood Services Region provides blood deliveries to over 55 hospitals and transfusion centers from our Johnstown facility.
“Transporting blood products is an integral part of fulfilling the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross,” said Terry Karloff, volunteer manager for the Greater Alleghenies Blood Services Region. “If driving and providing exemplary customer service is something you enjoy, we want to hear from you.”
Volunteer shifts will originate at the Red Cross headquarters facility located at 250 Jari Drive in Johnstown and include travel around the region. Training and use of Red Cross vehicles will be provided.
Volunteers must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Have a valid driver’s license with a minimum of three years driving experience
- Be able to verify a safe driving record with insurance
- Be able to lift boxes of lifesaving blood products of up to 45 pounds for hospital deliveries
- Be available to volunteer for two to four shifts per month (flexible schedules available)
Those interested in learning more or applying can contact Mary Ellen Indovina 814-262-3176 or by email at Maryellen.Indovina@redcross.org or begin the application process online at https://volunteerconnection.redcross.org/?nd=intake&entry_point_id=4955&unit_id=193&preview=1.
