A Loss Leads to Volunteerism
- NEIA Red Cross
- a few seconds ago
- 2 min read
By Beth Roy
There are those people who, when faced with adversity, make the decision to do what they can to help others. Jamie Blum, an American Red Cross Blood Donor Ambassador, is one of those people.
In 2020, Blum’s husband, Gary, battled COVID-19 and succumbed to it. While she and her family grieved, she recognized that they may be able to help others. Her husband had received transfusions during his illness. Blum knew those transfusions were only available because of individual donors. She learned that she had COVID-19 antibodies. Convalescent plasma contains high levels of antibodies and was used to treat seriously ill patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. She began donating convalescent plasma at the American Red Cross donation center in Dubuque.
“Some people have misconceptions that the process of giving blood is difficult,” she said. “And that simply isn’t true.”
While Blum understands the impact of blood and plasma donation, she also knows that many people are unsure about the process. She recommends making an appointment at an American Red Cross blood center. Qualified staff will answer all questions and carefully walk first-time donors through each step in the process.
“Many blood donors become long-time contributors because the process is easy,” she says.
The next milestone for Blum was organizing a blood drive. She worked with friends to get the word out, and a local car dealership was used as the event location. Creating an opportunity to encourage new donors was important, and the event was a success.
Now an American Red Cross blood donor ambassador, Blum focuses on ensuring donors have a welcoming, positive experience.
She has tips for individuals considering making their first blood donation:
1. Don’t hesitate to ask questions during the process. The staff is more than happy to provide all the information you need to feel comfortable and safe.
2. Understand that the time commitment for donating blood is typically less than 60 minutes. It's an easy way to give back to the community.
3. The Red Cross has an excellent app to support blood donors, making it incredibly easy to set up appointments and track donations. You can find nearby blood drives, get notified when your blood is on its way to a patient and view results from your mini-physical. Donors also earn achievement badges in the app that they can share with friends.
As an added bonus, Blum mentioned the many American Red Cross gifts she has been given for blood donations.
“I have received a beautiful beach towel, sunglasses and flip flops at different times – all for making a blood donation,” she says. “It is a fun extra perk!”
American Red Cross blood donors are also regularly recognized for their donations with certificates and milestone plaques that track their generosity.
Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. Every blood donor is helping patients who may have been in a traumatic accident or fire, had surgery or an organ transplant or are battling an illness.
If you are interested in donating blood products, visit redcrossblood.org to learn more and make an appointment at a blood donation center or a mobile blood drive.