Honoring Earth Day with a Greener Red Cross

Posted on April 22, 2026 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Sam Pudelski, American Red Cross volunteer

Earth Day is a time where we reflect on the sustainable changes we can make in our work and our daily lives to be more environmentally friendly. While Earth Day has been associated with planting trees and other greenery, there’s many ways individuals, groups and organizations can make changes to be more “green.”

The American Red Cross Northern Ohio Region is taking steps to contribute to the Red CrossNational Sustainability initiative to make more sustainable business choices. Three years ago, they established the Green Team Committee to focus on implementing sustainable change throughout the region. The 17-person committee is led by co-chairs Erica Van Pelt and Rachel Hepner. Erica has been with the Red Cross for 11 years and is the Northern Ohio Business Operations Specialist. Rachel has been with the Red Cross for 21 years and serves as the Executive Director for the Red Cross of Western Lake Erie..

Since its inception, the Green Team Committee has launched several initiatives to reduce single use plastics including:

Providing reusable bags and refillable water bottles to the entire Northern Ohio Regional staff
Upgrading most building drinking fountains to water bottle refill stations
Replacing water-cooled ice machines with air-cooled ice machines, greatly reducing energy usage

Additionally, each chapter is finding ways to make a difference in their area for this year’s Earth Day. The activities range throughout the region and include:

Decorating clay pots and planting sprouts
Repurposing old t-shirts to make sew-free tote bags
Collecting clothing and small appliances which will repurposed through SAVERS thrift stores
Making beeswax fabric covers to replace plastic wrap and zip-top bags for storing produce and food
Holding a recycling drive in the community

Why It Matters

The Red Cross has seen firsthand the effects of climate change through its disaster response efforts. As extreme weather disasters increase, so do the number of people impacted. Hurricanes, extreme heat, floods and wildfires have become more prevalent in recent years. In the last 10 years, more than 8.5 million people were displaced in the U.S. due to climate disasters.

What You Can Do

It may seem like a daunting task to reverse climate change but the reality is each change, both big and small, can help make a difference. Together, our collective efforts can make an impact that can help our communities and those across the country. Consider this Earth Day as a place to make a small sustainable swap in your daily routine or volunteer locally with a local organization. Additionally, the Northern Ohio Green Team Committee is always looking for new ideas and team members. You can connect with the team at NOHGreenTeam@redcross.org.

Red Cross Club members provide aid while being inspired

Posted on April 20, 2026 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Tim Poe, American Red Cross volunteer

Each day in our region, American Red Cross youth and young adult volunteers assist at blood drives, help veterans and their families, learn and teach skills such as CPR and disaster preparation, and aid their communities. Many of these activities are through Red Cross Clubs.

An extension of a local Red Cross region or Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) station, Red Cross Clubs assist mission-related activities and help their communities. Volunteers gain valuable experience and lifesaving skills, discover opportunities and develop lifelong friendships.

For insight into Red Cross Club activities, I spoke with Rayanna Cap and Wesley Leong, who have been Red Cross volunteers since 2023 and 2020, respectively.

Rayanna was initially inspired to volunteer with the Red Cross by her sister. While researching opportunities, Rayanna learned of Red Cross Clubs. She thought the project was “awesome,” and helped create the club at Findlay High School, from where she will graduate in May.

Wesley partly credits his supportive family and culture of helping others as inspiration to volunteer. “I wanted to expand that support into the community and build relationships that aren’t given to us,” Wesley said. While at Revere High School, Wesley researched why he hadn’t seen a blood drive at the school in a while, which led him and a friend to create the school’s Red Cross Club. He is currently studying chemistry at Emory University.

Since joining the Red Cross, Rayanna and Wesley have been exceptionally active, valuable volunteers. In addition to serving as club coordinator at Findlay High School, Rayanna has helped start at least 10 clubs. Wesley works with Red Cross Clubs across our region, meeting with officers each month to offer advice and support, brainstorm ideas and help form new clubs.

Both Rayanna and Wesley expressed how much they enjoy helping others, the community, and meeting and working with others. Rayanna said, “I love talking to others and helping to get youth involved, like how donating blood saves lives. If they’re nervous, I’ll hold their hand while they donate.” Wesley said he enjoys seeing the impact of his work, saying, “I can actively do something to help others in the community.”

Among Rayanna’s favorite activities is a “Tie-Blanket” project where Club members get together during the holidays, watch a Christmas movie and create blankets for local shelters. “Knowing blankets are going to local shelters is very inspiring, helps solidify the passion for what we are doing and teaches members the benefits are real, especially when I saw someone using a blanket we had made,” Rayanna said. The event is now an annual holiday tradition.

Other activities Rayanna enjoys and has inspired others to join include canteen services– providing snacks and water for first responders or residents impacted by local disasters, working with local businesses to help support blood drives and other activities, and learning CPR and other lifesaving skills. “I love the work that I do!” she said.

One of Wesley’s favorite Red Cross moments was during a Veterans Day gift drive, seeing how important the gifts were to those at a local VA hospital. Currently, he greatly enjoys connecting with and helping fellow volunteers aid their communities. He also offers advice and insight to help others succeed in college.

Both have also been inspired by their volunteer services. Rayanna credits the Red Cross as helping her choose her college major and career path. She will be attending The Ohio State University this fall, majoring in public policy and minoring in both education policy and nonprofit management.

Wesley, now in his junior year at Emory, credits much of his success and view of the world to his experience with the Red Cross. “I wouldn’t be where I am without the Red Cross,” he said. Wesley plans to attend graduate school and become a professor.

As busy as they are, both find time for other activities, and both especially love baking. Rayanna also participates in sports, including soccer, bowling, lacrosse, running and pickleball. Wesley also crochets and makes plushies.

When asked what they would say to someone thinking of joining or starting a Red Cross Club, both resoundingly said, “Do it!” Rayanna said, “You’ll make so many memories, meet so many people. I’ve listened, held people’s hands and understand things I may not have otherwise. You’ll experience things you won’t forget. You’ll also gain many skills like public speaking, communications and using Microsoft, which apply to future goals.” Wesley added, “There are so many opportunities, and the experience has helped in many ways. I will be forever grateful to the Red Cross.”

More on Red Cross Clubs and other youth volunteer opportunities is available a redcross.org/red-cross-youth.html.

Edited by Glenda Bogar, Red Cross volunteer

Red Cross donation insights help bolster community health

Posted on April 7, 2026 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Eilene Guy, American Red Cross volunteer

The American Red Cross provides some 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply. In the process of collecting, processing and distributing that vital fluid, the Red Cross plays an important role in many facets of community health.

Most of us know someone who’s received a lifesaving blood transfusion during surgery, trauma treatment or cancer care.

We all know that despite medical miracles, there’s no artificial substitute for the real thing: Blood from another living person.

Red Cross phlebotomists who screen us before drawing blood can pick up on blood pressure or iron deficiency issues. Lab professionals who test our blood for infectious diseases and compatibility can also identify pre-diabetes (A1c levels) before symptoms show up, among a host of other conditions.

And, incidentally, later this month is Medical Laboratory Professionals Week, so kudos to our 500 lab techs who keep the blood supply safe and identify the dozens of blood components that make hospital treatments and cell and gene therapies more effective.

Clevelander Makenzie Nance relies on that expertise. She’s one of more than 100,000 people in the United States living with sickle cell disease (SCD), most – but not all – of them Black or African Americans.

To alleviate acute pain “crises” and forestall organ damage, those sufferers may need as many as 100 units of blood every year – blood that Red Cross technicians process to be sure it has the unique antigens from donors of the same ethnic groups as SCD patients.

Makenzie is a sickle cell warrior who advocates for blood donation while her mom Demeatrice partners with the Red Cross to organize blood drives. “It could be my day today, or it could be your day tomorrow,” Demeatrice says.

Dr. Kristin Gype wasn’t expecting it to be “her day” to receive blood as she prepared for the birth of her second child, but an emergency C-section delivery led to uncontrolled bleeding and an immediate hysterectomy.

During her struggle for life, Kristin received a whopping 52 units of blood! To put that into perspective, the average human body holds about 10 pints or “units” of blood.

Kristin, a nurse anesthetist, estimates it took up to 83 donors to produce all the blood products she needed that day.

“Those people had a ripple effect. They kept me alive, kept these two babies’ mommy alive. I get to go to work and take care of people and keep them alive,” she says.

Blood products have a short shelf-life, so the supply has to be constantly replenished. Elaine Rettig in Findlay is grateful blood was “on the shelf” when she needed seven units as she was giving birth.

“While the dreaded jab of a needle is not like a kiss from your sweetheart,” she says, “knowing you’ll be helping someone through a rough time in their life is an extra reward.”

The Red Cross is constantly working to make the donation process easier. You can save time by using the RapidPass online health history tool on the day of your appointment, and many donation sites now use a transdermal device to check blood iron levels. No more finger sticks! The Red Cross operates dozens of blood drives across northern Ohio, as well as five dedicated collection sites for platelets and plasma, always in demand for treating traumatic injuries. To find a location near you, go to RedCrossBlood.org or download the free Red Cross blood donor app.

Honoring 50 Years of Excellence: Jean Lewis Retires from the Red Cross

Posted on March 31, 2026 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Kathryn Dean, American Red Cross volunteer

In March of 1976, Jean Lewis was just coming off sick leave after the birth of her first child. Upon learning that her former position at the local library had been filled in her absence, she was offered an alternative job.

“They put me in a room as long as Chester Avenue (filled) with index cards,” Jean mused. “They said that we are starting automation, and we are going to put all these cards in alphabetical order…and I looked at it and I said, oh no, not me!”

So, she left the library and headed down to the unemployment office. After taking a typing test, she was offered a clerk position at the American Red Cross. The starting pay was $1.98/hr, and she gratefully accepted.

“I have remained in the same department for the entire 50 years.” Jean proudly proclaimed. “I never wanted to leave this department.”

That department is called Manufacturing, which manufactures the blood products that are collected through donations. It has changed names over the course of her career, from Technical Services to Laboratory, and finally to Manufacturing.

“I used to make all the forms that’s now out on the internet in the repository. I used to make all of those forms on the typewriter,” Jean recalled. “I started out making a system up for the forms to be organized. One of the things I give myself credit for at the Red Cross is that I’m very organized.”

Now, after 50 years, Jean is ready for the next phase of her life. “I am going to retire this year, 2026. It is now time for the younger generation to take over,” she reflected. “One of my mottos is, nobody’s job should shut down just because that person’s not here. You should always have a backup.”

During her career, she’s always taught others to do her job just in case something happened and she couldn’t be there.

Post-retirement, Jean plans to travel with her family in a 15-passenger van that she recently purchased. “I have two grandkids, and my 35-year old, Down syndrome nephew. They are the love of my life…we go a lot of places together.”

Jean celebrated 50 years with the Red Cross on March 26 of this year.

Jackie Greene (left) and Jean Lewis, American Red Cross

On behalf of the American Red Cross, we wish Jean a very happy retirement, and thank her for her 50-years of service! A warm congratulations also to Jackie Greene, who celebrated 55 years with the Red Cross on March 1^st!

To conclude, a final word from Joel Prater, Manufacturing Manager, American Red Cross. “When they retire, the Red Cross will be losing two of the hardest working people with the greatest breadth of knowledge and experience imaginable, and it will take 4 people or more to cover all they do for us here.”

Local grandma offers cash to family who donate blood

Posted on March 17, 2026 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By EILENE E. GUY, American Red Cross volunteer

Elaine Rettig has made what she thinks is a “win-win” deal with her family: If they give blood to the American Red Cross, she gives them cash.

For every pint of blood each of her three children, their spouses and seven grandchildren donates, they receive $100! It’s $50 for an attempt to donate, even if it’s not successful.

And somewhere, someone – or two or three – will receive the gift of life when they need it most.

Elaine was one of those recipients more than 50 years ago when she needed an emergency C-section for the birth of her first child. It took seven units of blood to get her through the crisis.

Over the years, through two more kids and a career in nursing, Elaine donated 62 units of blood to “pay it forward.”

But that’s nothing compared to her husband Al’s generosity: When he makes his next donation in May, he will have given 144 pints of blood. That’s 18 gallons! That’s in addition to a couple of gallons he gave as a medic in the U.S. Navy, including on duty in Vietnam.

Elaine can no longer donate blood herself, but one night in bed, it occurred to her she might spur family members to carry on the mission. She was thinking about one of her granddaughters, who’s active in a high school Red Cross Club.

“What teenager can’t use an extra hundred dollars every couple of months,” she asked with a grin in her voice. She knows her grown children too appreciate the “little bit extra” from Mom, but no, Al isn’t in line for the cash award she adds, with her wry sense of humor.

Since starting the incentive program for her 13 family members less than a year and a half ago, Elaine has accounted for 33 units of blood and three unsuccessful attempts. After 10 donations or attempts per person, she figures the habit should be established and she’ll pay in advance for the next 10 donations.

She thinks of this as a form of early inheritance transfer.

As a retired nurse, Elaine knows that the testing involved with blood donation can uncover silent health problems. In fact, one of her granddaughters tested too low for hemoglobin in a pre-donation screening: It turned out she was anemic and really needed iron supplements. Elaine considers that a win at a blood drive, even without a unit collected.

By the way, the Red Cross is doing free A1c tests on all units donated during March, to screen for prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes. Red Cross data shows one in five blood donors has an elevated A1c level, which can often be controlled with lifestyle changes before the condition develops further. As the nation’s largest blood supplier, the Red Cross is uniquely positioned to alert otherwise healthy donors to undiagnosed anemia, diabetes and hypertension.

“While the dreaded jab of a needle is not like a kiss from your sweetheart, knowing you will be helping someone through a rough time in their life is an extra reward,” this wise grandma in Findlay said.

To schedule a blood donation this month and get the free A1c test and a $15 Amazon gift card, to go RedCrossBlood.org/March or download the free American Red Cross Blood Donor app.

Edited by Glenda Bogar, Red Cross volunteer

Acts of Courage: 30 years of honoring local heroes

Posted on March 12, 2026 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Ryan Lang, American Red Cross

The American Red Cross of Greater Akron and the Mahoning Valley has been celebrating everyday heroes from the local community for the past 30 years with the annual Acts of Courage event in Akron. On March 5, 2026, the chapter celebrated its 30th and final Acts of Courage event marking the end of an era.

Rachel Stine, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Greater Akron and the Mahoning Valley

“It’s been an absolute honor to be a part of the Acts of Courage event for over 10 years,” said Rachel Stine, Executive Director, Red Cross of Greater Akron and Mahoning Valley. “This event has showcased those who truly care about community and embody the spirit of the Red Cross.”

In fact, the entire event has embodied the spirit of the Red Cross for decades, and the grand finale was no different. From a Red Cross volunteer saving a life at a local restaurant, to one of our youngest recipients, a seven-year-old girl, calling for help when no one else heard her neighbor, the acts of courage that were on display were astounding.

Jack McCabe, 2026 H. Peter Burg Community Leadership Award recipient

We also honored this year’s H. Peter Burg Community Leadership Award recipient, Jack McCabe. Jack is a longtime board member and Vice President and General Manager for the Utility Vegetation Management division of Davey Resource Group. Jack is a true servant leader and is making a difference in his community and beyond every day.

See all of the photos from the event here, and tap the videos below to hear the stories from our heroes themselves. Also, below is a short vignette that takes you on a journey from where the Red Cross in Greater and Akron the Mahoning Valley was, is, and will be.

As for what the future holds, Rachel says, “You will see your Red Cross over the next 30 years continue to honor even more heroes every day with volunteers serving and meeting the needs of communities near and far.”

Acts of Courage awards recipients:

Chris’ Red Cross training kicked in when a student at the Medina County Career Center needed it most:

Ashley utilized lifesaving skills she learned through the Red Cross to help a coworker in distress:

Evelyn is proof that heroes come in all sizes:

Jeff is a healthcare worker and an everyday citizen who stepped up in someone else’s time of need:

Red Cross volunteer Jennifer was out getting a bite to eat and noticed a man choking:

Twinsburg Fire and Police, along with the dispatch team, were honored for the team effort to save a baby from a home fire:

30 Years of Acts of Courage in Greater Akron and the Mahoning Valley:

From home fire to happy

Posted on March 6, 2026 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Toledo mom grateful for Red Cross assistance following devastating fire

By Jim McIntyre, American Red Cross volunteer

“This is the first time in my adult life I’ve actually been content.” That quote may not seem to make much sense, coming from someone who suffered a home fire less than a month before. But that’s not how Ashley Jackson sees it.

“Everything happens for a reason, even the bad stuff,” said the Toledo school bus driver, referring to the fire that destroyed much of her home on January 29, 2026. “So many blessings have come from it.”

Ashley Jackson (bottom right), Okikechukwu Emeana (left), Chibueze Emeana (center)

Ashley was able to escape safely with her two young sons and their cat at about 4:30 the morning the fire tore through the upstairs of their home. She said she had no idea what to do or where to go. She had no insurance, and she thought she and her children were going to have to sleep in their car. That’s when she was told to call the American Red Cross, where she connected with a caseworker.

“You guys jumped right into action,” Ashley said, by helping her stay focused and calm. “I thought I was OK, but I just busted out in tears, and she (the Red Cross caseworker) stayed on the phone with me the entire time and consoled me and helped me stay strong for my kids. Because once I started crying, they started crying!”

The Red Cross was able to give Ashley immediate financial assistance for an extended stay in a hotel, where she and her children spent the first week following the fire. She said they also connected her with other resources for clothes and basic necessities.

“They were checking up on me about every day, maybe twice a day, through calls and text messages. Just being very kind, and, I don’t know…human.”

Like many people, Ashley was unaware of the help the Red Cross offers to people in her situation.

“I thought it was like some organization that helped foreign countries,” she said.

In Northern Ohio alone, the Red Cross responds to more than 3 home fires every 24 hours, offering the same compassionate care and financial assistance that Ashley and her family received. And most of that help is provided by volunteers.

And now, Ashley is considering becoming a Red Cross volunteer.

“I’m happy. Everybody’s safe. We’re getting back into a routine. Being on the receiving end, I want to give back.”

Anyone who wants to give back and help their neighbors in need can visit redcross.org/volunteer to learn more about the many ways the Red Cross offers to help make our communities safer and more resilient.

Sickle Cell disease and the importance of diverse donors

Posted on February 19, 2026 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Eilene E. Guy, American Red Cross volunteer

“Sickle Cell disease is the most common inherited blood disorder in the United States,” and Colleen Meadows is bound and determined to make that fact common knowledge.

Colleen Meadows, Emerging Markets Manager

Colleen has made it her full-time mission as emerging markets manager for the American Red Cross in Ohio.

But it’s not just knowledge she wants to spread. She wants action! “I want to increase awareness of sickle cell disease to get more Ohioans – especially those of African American descent – to step up and donate blood.”

More than 100,000 people in America – primarily those of African American descent – live with sickle cell disease. The disorder causes red blood cells to curve into a “C” or sickle shape, which in turn makes the cells more likely to clump and weakens their ability to carry oxygen.

Regular blood transfusions help prevent strokes and treat anemia, periodic episodes of excruciating pain called “sickle cell crises” and life-threatening damage to internal organs. Blood from donors of the same racial and ethnic heritage contains antigens that help counteract patients’ pain and injury.

“Sickle cell is an internal condition. You can’t see it,” Colleen told me. “Everything they (patients) go through is dire.”

Colleen is well aware of the legacy of mistreatment African Americans have experienced at the hands of the healthcare establishment, so she stresses the fact that their blood is uniquely suited to fellow African Americans. The problem is that while one in three African American blood donors is a match for sickle cell patients, they make up less than 3% of the total number of donors.

“The Red Cross is committed to increasing and widening the donor base in order to meet the needs of the whole diverse population of this country,” she says.

Colleen’s focus isn’t limited to African Americans. She’s also working to connect with Latino and LGBTQ+ populations which haven’t historically been welcomed into the ranks of blood donors. She’s recruiting trusted community leaders to spearhead awareness and donation events, and she’s teaching prospective donors how to prepare for a successful donation experience.

Colleen began her “career in blood” almost two decades ago when she became a Red Cross phlebotomist. For years she was dedicated to making every donor’s “jab” as comfortable as possible, to encourage repeat donations.

But for the past year she’s shifted to outreach to boost and broaden those donor numbers. And she’s encouraged by the response. “In one year, we’ve seen a lot of changes. The numbers (of donors) have gone up significantly and we’ve had a lot more first-time drives,” she says.

Colleen encourages everyone who can to make a blood donation, especially now, when severe winter weather and seasonal illness has led to a nationwide blood shortage. Schedule your donation by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, using the Blood Donor App, or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.

Meet the phlebotomist behind the lifesaving mission

Posted on February 12, 2026 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Kathryn Dean, American Red Cross volunteer

During Phlebotomist Recognition Week, the American Red Cross of Northern Ohio is proud to spotlight Katie Currenti, who has dedicated 29 years to serving as a Red Cross phlebotomist.

Katie first started working at the Red Cross after moving to the U.S. from Ukraine and studying to become a medical assistant. Before moving here, she had previously worked as a speech pathologist and held a nursing degree back at home.

Katie Currenti, Red Cross phlebotomist, at the newly opened Willoughby Blood Donation Center

“When I arrived here in this country, I wanted to continue to help people in the medical field,“ Katie explained, “so I went to school for medical assistance and started my career with the Red Cross, because what better way to continue helping others than making sure lifesaving blood products are available for patients in hospitals.”

Phlebotomists play a vital role in the blood donation process. Specially trained to collect lifesaving blood donations, they ensure each unit is safely prepared for patients in hospitals across the region. Their work extends beyond just basic blood collection as they also comfort and educate donors who come in, greeting them with a smile and providing a friendly, familiar face for repeat donors.

“What keeps me and has kept me here is my (Red Cross) family, which includes staff and, most of all, donors and volunteers.” Katie reflected, “I have come to know so many who have walked through these doors and continue to make new ones. I feel privileged that what I do truly matters to so many and know that all of us together have saved millions upon millions of lives in 29 years!”

Katie primarily works at the Red Cross Blood Donation Center in Parma, Ohio, and also supports the newest Northern Ohio blood donation center in Willoughby.

This Phlebotomist Recognition Week, help honor Katie and other Red Cross blood donation heroes by scheduling an appointment to give blood. Donors who give between now and February 28, 2026, will receive a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. Visit RedCrossBlood.org to find a blood drive or blood donation center near you.

Red Cross response recognized by Austintown Township partners

Posted on February 6, 2026 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Ryan Lang, American Red Cross

On Saturday November 22, 2025, an explosion displaced dozens of residents at the Phoenix House senior living apartment complex in Austintown Township, Ohio.

Red Cross MRV outside the Phoenix House apartment complex in Austintown Township after an explosion displaced dozens of residents.

Red Cross volunteers were on scene quickly, providing immediate needs for those residents who were left out in the cold. Within hours, our Disaster Action Team members from across the region were in Austintown Township, coordinating with first responders, local leaders, and community partners to best serve these residents.

A staging area was set up at the local senior center and the Red Cross went to work. When it was deemed safe, the Red Cross set up tents outside of the apartment complex to triage residents going into the complex to retrieve essentials such as medicine, personal belongings, and more.

Our volunteers were out in the freeing temperatures and rain for days, assisting residents with not just this process, but opening cases for these people to get much-needed financial assistance. This relief effort lasted weeks, and our volunteers and DAT team members worked tirelessly through the Thanksgiving holiday to make sure that these people, who were living through their worst nightmare, had what they needed when they needed it most.

Austintown Township Trustees recognizing the efforts of the American Red Cross of Northern Ohio and other community partners and organizations for their efforts in the wake of the Nov. 22, 2025, explosion at the Phoenix House apartments.

On February 2, 2026, in recognition of those efforts, the Austintown Township Trustees issued the American Red Cross of Northern Ohio a Letter of Commendation, highlighting the collaborative efforts of our team and our community partners.

The commendation reads, in part, “In the face of an unexpected crisis, your business exemplified the true spirit of community,” which is what the Red Cross of Northern Ohio does best. Shoutout to our region’s Community Disaster Program Specialist, Lisa Friend-Timko, who led the charge and coordinated one heck of a relief effort.

NOHredcross

American Red Cross of Northern Ohio Region