Red Cross youth and young adult volunteer roles offer invaluable experience for individuals like Maddie Frank

Posted on August 13, 2025 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Tim Poe, American Red Cross volunteer

Before American Red Cross Youth Volunteer Maddie Frank arrived for her first shift as Blood Donor Ambassador, she had already recruited a new blood donor, her dad. As Maddie was not yet old enough for her license, her dad drove, deciding to give blood on the way. After her dad downloaded the Blood Donor App, Maddie said, “It was fascinating and fun to watch the blood donation’s progress with him,” culminating in the location where it helped save a life.

Maddie has been volunteering since January of this year and has already made a tremendous impact. Beginning with Totes for Hope, she has taken on several roles, including Blood Donor Ambassador, Youth Advocate, and Volunteer Services Youth Engagement Lead.

Red Cross Youth and Young Adult volunteer opportunities and Red Cross Clubs are excellent ways giving people like Maddie can assist their communities, gain tremendous experience, develop leadership and public speaking skills, build resumes, make lasting friendships, and help make the world better.

There are many Red Cross volunteer opportunities for young people, depending on age. In fact, nationally, as many as 25% of our volunteers are age 24 and younger. For instance, individuals 13 and over can volunteer at blood drives; additional adult supervision is required for those 13-15. Prepare with Pedro presenters can be at least 14. While you must be at least 18 for most disaster relief roles, those ages 16-17 can help support logistics, inventory, and preparation in their region. And young adults (ages 18-24) may be involved in College Red Cross Clubs or hold an adult volunteer position.

Maddie told me how she has grown up in an atmosphere of helping others and has always enjoyed doing so. Her schools have had service hour requirements, she began working with Totes of Hope for services project at her church, her dad coaches, and her mom helps at a food bank.

Maddie said she greatly enjoys helping and interacting with people, is looking to become a nurse, and her work as a Red Cross volunteer has helped. Maddie said, “I really enjoy interacting with the donors, seeing their milestones, and working with the other volunteers and staff, as everyone is very kind.” Maddie also said the experience is helping her get a sense of working in a medical field. She has also found several fellow volunteers are studying to become medical professionals, including nurses, and share their experiences.

In addition to aiding the Red Cross, Maddie has assisted with several programs to help others, is a member of her school’s medical club, enjoys playing basketball, and will soon begin her Junior year at Wash Jesuit High School.

I asked Maddie what she would tell someone her age interested in becoming a Red Cross volunteer. She said, “Starting out as a blood donor ambassador is really beneficial, as you get to meet people, including those in medical fields, and see what blood drive are like. And you get to see your impact.”

National Nurses Week: Spotlight on Cynthia Bell, RN MSN

Posted on May 6, 2025 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Kathryn Dean, American Red Cross Volunteer

National Nurses Week is an annual week of recognition of the hardworking nurses in our community and runs every year from May 6 to May 12. This year, the American Red Cross of Northern Ohio wants to recognize a local Akron nurse, Cynthia Bell, RN MSN, who has dedicated her life to the profession and continues to serve, even in retirement.

Cynthia was encouraged to start her nursing journey when she was fresh out of high school and trying to determine life’s path. A chance encounter with an Akron City Hospital administrator at her church changed everything for her. She was given the opportunity to attend the hospital’s nursing program for free, and she jumped at the chance.

“I said my parents can’t afford nursing school, and he said, well decide if you want to go, we’ll take care of it. I said, no brainer. But did I have any idea what I was getting myself into?“ she recalled. “No clue whatsoever.”

“’You’re going to be responsible for people’s lives’,” Cynthia was told, “and I remember panicking and I was 21 years old. But I’ve never looked back, I loved every minute of it, it was the best career choice. It was all in God’s plan because I would never have thought about being a nurse. It all works for the good. And I think that’s why I stay in the community, because I know the impact that one person can have on somebody else, and somebody may be having a bad day, and you can just be there for them.” Cynthia reflected.

Cynthia eventually went on to complete her bachelor’s degree at Capital, and then her Masters in psychiatric mental health. She spent 37 years of her 52-year nursing career at the Cleveland Veterans Administration (VA) Hospital. “It’s the highlight of my career, I’ve enjoyed every, every minute of being a nurse at the VA,” she beamed.

At the VA, she was the nurse manager and Assistant Chief of the Homeless Domiciliary. “We housed 122 veterans, some with mental illness, some with substance abuse, gambling issues, and they could have a combination of those things, and we got them housed and improved their health and set up healthcare for them in the community,“ she explained. “I just loved being the nurse manager because my nurses ended up giving great care. You had to be innovative, and compassionate, and tolerant, and it made a difference.”

Now as a retiree, she fills her days with volunteer hours, tutoring students in Akron and working as the President of the Akron Black Nurses, an organization that conducts local health fairs and blood pressure screenings in the community. She also serves as a Blood Donor Ambassador for the Red Cross, working about 10 blood drives a month.

“I go to the different blood drives, and I greet and help sign in any of the donors that come in, and we often engage in playful or good conversation. I meet so many different people. Some have a lot in common and some that have nothing in common. But we always end up having a good conversation. It’s a great place to meet people,” Cynthia said.

“I really hope that people continue to see the importance and the need for donating and if they have time, in becoming an ambassador for the Red Cross. I appreciate the opportunity to serve, and how happy I am being a volunteer.”

Be sure to thank a nurse this National Nurses Week and join me in saying a big thank you to Cynthia for her dedication to nursing and helping her community. Consider joining other volunteers at the Northern Ohio Region of the Red Cross by clicking HERE to learn about the available opportunities.

Paul Wadowick: from lifelong blood donor to blood transfusion recipient

Posted on March 19, 2025 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Tim Poe, American Red Cross volunteer.

Our lives can change in a moment, posing difficulties, presenting challenges. In many of these instances, the American Red Cross is there to help, including providing life-saving blood when a transfusion is needed. Such was the case for Paul Wadowick of Ashtabula County. After he was diagnosed with blood cancer in the spring of 2021, Paul went from being a lifelong blood donor to being a blood recipient. Paul, who is also a Red Cross volunteer, was gracious enough to speak with me about his background and experience.

Paul has dedicated himself to assisting others throughout his life, and his parents were an early inspiration. Paul became aware of blood donations in the 1950s when his father, a universal donor, had a capability test for another person’s open-heart surgery. His mother was also a donor. Paul followed suit, and from 1968 until 2021, donated 137 units (17 gallons + 1 unit) of blood, helping to save many lives in the process.

While donating blood in 2021, he became aware of a problem. As part of our services, Red Cross blood donors receive a mini-health screening, including a hemoglobin test. Paul’s iron level had dropped dramatically. Shortly thereafter, he was working as a Blood Donor Ambassador at another blood drive, took the hemoglobin test again, and knew he had to see doctors. He learned he had blood cancer and began undergoing chemotherapy.

In October 2021, Paul received a “High Chemo” 15-day treatment, where he received two units of platelets, which are a component of blood. He recalled hearing how a donor of whole blood can save many lives. It then hit him that his was now one of those lives.

Thankfully, Paul’s cancer is in remission, and he continues his volunteer work with the Red Cross, mainly as a Blood Donor Ambassador, in addition to other community service.

Paul’s sense of responsibility and service is lifelong. As the third oldest in a family of 10, he assisted in the care of younger siblings and household chores. He was also class “dean” in his high-school seminary, volunteered in a long-term hospital, and found his calling in social work. After earning his degree and certification, Paul spent decades as a social worker, mostly at a long-term-care facility, while continuing his community service, including with the Boy Scouts. Paul and his wife, Denise, raised two sons.

After retiring in November 2015, Paul became a Red Cross volunteer in January 2016. He is also a member of the Knights of Columbus and credits his faith for his perseverance, gifts, and outlook.

Melissa Papini, a Red Cross Blood Services Account Manager, pointed out that Paul has been a Blood Program Leader with the Knights of Columbus for almost four years, recruiting over 400 donors and collecting 382 units of lifesaving blood.

Paul cited several favorite experiences as a Red Cross volunteer, especially photographing volunteer recognition celebrations, smoke alarm installations, and blood drive events in ways that tell a story. He also enjoys coaching and easing blood donors through the process and sending them home with a “Thank You.” And while he can no longer donate blood, he is happy to help recruit, organize, and bring in donations from others.

For anyone considering donating blood, Paul asks, “What would you do if you needed blood?” and reminds us that we may find ourselves, like he did, in a position where we or a loved one need it.

To schedule a donation, please visit www.redcrossblood.org.

Scholarship winner is blood donor advocate and community service role model

Posted on September 17, 2024 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Tim Poe, American Red Cross volunteer

The American Red Cross grants Sickle Cell Fighter High School Scholarships to the nation’s top 10 high schools that host at least one blood drive and collect the most productive units from donors who self-identify as African American. One of the 2023-2024 recipients is Charles F. Brush High School in Lyndhurst, and their scholarship recipient is Meredith Davis-Cooper.

Meredith graduated from Brush High School in 2024 and is now studying architecture at Kent State University. She graciously took time from her busy schedule to speak with me.

I asked Meredith how she became so active in community service. It began with her family, which is involved with several committees, church and worship groups, and counseling. This continued at Brush High School and the National Honor Society (NHS), as community involvement is a major initiative with both organizations. In addition to blood drives, Meredith and other students held several food drives last year.

“I’m always open to the community,” Meredith said. “I love staying involved. It brings me joy.” She has also learned she is quite adept at it.

Meredith’s skill in assisting community efforts was clearly seen with Brush’s three blood drives last school year. As the school’s National Honor Society president, she helped recruit and schedule students and donated blood herself.

I asked Meredith how she was so effective convincing others to become blood donors. She said knowing Red Cross facts helped, especially the critical need for blood donations in the African American community to help fight sickle cell disease. And her status as NHS president, a top 10 student, artist, and athlete were key. Meredith said her leadership and ability to fit in everywhere garnered trust and helped her persuade others to donate.

Meredith’s former NHS adviser, Mrs. Jill Strainic, concurs. She said, “It helps to have a role model like Meredith on our recruiting team. She’s an excellent student and leader, but by stepping up and donating blood herself, she takes ownership and is a great ambassador for the process. Meredith also brings this amazing sense of enthusiasm and confidence to everything she does. When she talks, students listen.”

In addition to her studies, Meredith works as a volleyball coach. She played volleyball in high school and competed in swimming, shot put, and discus. She is also an accomplished artist, creating abstract sculptures, some of which have won Gold Key awards and honorable mentions from the Cleveland Institute of Art. Meredith said art is how she developed her interest in architecture.

While Meredith is just getting settled in at Kent State and her demanding major, she plans to continue helping the community and donating blood, whether in Kent or at home. She also hopes to play or referee volleyball next year, and would like to study architecture abroad.

After graduating, Meredith hopes to eventually have her own firm and create innovative, striking buildings. She is especially inspired by Zaha Hadid’s work.

Meredith is extremely grateful for the Sickle Cell Fighter scholarship. She said she had been stressed about paying for college, and the award was a “shocking surprise.” It helped “seal the deal” so she could begin her university studies and prepare for her future.

The Red Cross is currently offering sickle cell trait screening for donors who self-identify as Black or African American. To schedule a blood donation, please visit redcrossblood.org.

Edited by Glenda Bogar, Red Cross volunteer

Posted by Ryan Lang, Red Cross board member and volunteer

National Volunteer Week Profile: Pam Orban

Posted on April 25, 2024 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Kathryn Dean, American Red Cross volunteer

Dedicated volunteers are a vital part of the American Red Cross workforce. That’s why recognizing volunteers like Pam Orban is an important part of National Volunteer Week.

Pam has been volunteering with her local Red Cross since the summer of 2019 when she signed on as a blood donor ambassador. A retired intervention specialist with a focus on psychology, Pam had originally considered returning to work when she spoke to a friend.

“I was going to go back to the hospital and work in the pediatric department, and then I thought, ‘oh man, I don’t know,’ and then a friend of mine says, ‘well why don’t you do the Red Cross? ’ And that got me started in it,” Pam reflected.

Due to her ever willingness to help out where needed, her role quickly shifted to becoming the lead scheduler for blood drives in her region, as well as a liaison for the Academic Service Learning (AS-L) program. Kathy Cline, volunteer supervisor for Northern Ohio Biomedical Services, has nothing but praise for the hard work and dedication of Pam to the organization over the years.

“Pam’s roles have been an immense support to the success of the Donor Ambassador and Academic Service programs in Northeast Ohio,” said Kathy. “The Donor Ambassador territory she helps lead is always one of the top in the country, and the AS-L program, which she has greatly supported, is a success because of Pam’s assistance.”

The AS-L program coordinates volunteer service with academic learning. Pam works with Kent State University nursing students and the Blood Donor Ambassador (BDA) program.

“Dr.(Mariann) Harding, who is a professor there, developed the program as part of the curriculum for the students. So, the students have to do one drive per semester for credit. It helps us out because it schedules (blood) drives in the southern counties that don’t normally get filled,” Pam explained. “In the BDA, the (students) welcome the donors, help them with registration, talk to them and handle the canteen (refreshment area), and of course they call me for an event. It’s a good experience for these kids.”

Pam’s supervisors admire her reliability and dedication to the Red Cross and willingness to go the extra mile. Pam herself appreciates her volunteer service as a way to keep her mind and body active in retirement.

“I love it. I feel my Red Cross volunteering plays an important role within the community,” Pam joyfully stated. “I work directly with volunteers to find and schedule blood drives. I also help team members whenever needed. I have an active part in saving lives.”

Volunteering can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, and the Red Cross is always in need of enthusiastic volunteers. Learn more about volunteer opportunities in your area by visiting the Red Cross website.

Edited by Glenda Bogar, American Red Cross volunteer

Posted by Ryan Lang, American Red Cross board member and volunteer

American Red Cross Taps Nursing Pool For New Blood Donor Ambassadors

Posted on January 26, 2024 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Ryan Lang, Red Cross board member and volunteer

Since the Civil War and the earliest days of the American Red Cross, nurses have been some of the biggest supporters of the mission. Red Cross founder Clara Barton was a nurse who risked her life supporting soldiers in the field. It is her legacy that all these years later inspires nursing students from colleges and universities across Northern Ohio to take part in the volunteer blood ambassador program.

Dr. Mariann Harding of Kent State Tuscarawas is the Regional AS-L Coordinator with Kim Kroh, Executive Director, American Red Cross of Heartland, Stark and Muskingum Lakes

Dr. Mariann Harding, professor of nursing at Kent State University, Tuscarawas Campus, is coordinator for the Academic Service Leadership (ASL) program in Northern Ohio. ASL provides nursing students and nurses returning to college for their bachelor’s degree opportunities to volunteer in the local community. Currently, about a hundred students participate in the program from Kent State University, both the Kent and Tuscarawas campuses, Case Western Reserve University, and the University of Akron.

“Students in the Foundations of Nursing class have been volunteering as blood donor ambassadors for several years,” Dr. Harding said. “The donor ambassador experience has been a way to combine service with clinical-based learning.”

Not only is the ASL program good for the community, Dr. Harding says it is also rewarding and beneficial for her students. “(They) enjoy giving back to the community and find volunteering a meaningful experience. They also learn about the donation process and the safeguards taken to protect the donated blood,” Dr. Harding added. “Many have given blood for the first time during their experience!”

Kent State University Tuscarawas student, Penelope Cantu is a Red Cross Academic Service-Learning Blood Donor Ambassador volunteer.

Kent State University Tuscarawas student, Penelope Cantu, is a Red Cross ASL Blood Donor Ambassador volunteer. “Having the opportunity to volunteer at Red Cross blood drives has given me insight into how big of an impact blood drives are,” she said. “I had the pleasure of engaging with all kinds of people and listening to why they donate. Their stories helped me realize how much of a difference we all can make when we donate.”

Find out more on the Blood Ambassador program and other volunteer opportunities here.

Why am I a blood donor? Why not?

Posted on June 14, 2023 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

A dedicated donor reflects on World Blood Donor Day

By Doug Bardwell, American Red Cross volunteer

As I was asked to write this article, I tried to remember back when I made my first donation, some 56 units and 26 years ago. At the time, I was working in Terminal Tower, and I decided to give when a co- worker said something as simple as, “Hey, I’m going over to donate blood. Want to come along?”

I’m sure I asked about qualifications, but he assured me that they’d give me a quick physical check and make sure I was able to donate. That’s all it took, and I was on my way to becoming a blood donor. “Why not?”

The blood donor center was set up in an unoccupied office space in Tower City Center. I was actually amazed at how quick it was to make my donation. No drama, just a pint of blood lighter when I left and a sticker to show I had donated.

Outta sight – outta mind

Nobody asked again until 2003, right after the Invasion of Iraq. While having a discussion about the war with a friend, he said that he had heard someone saying the only thing we could do to help our troops was to donate blood or donate money.

With a growing family, I had more of the former than the latter, so I checked around to see where and when the closest donation site would be opening. Donation number two was scheduled, but this time, someone at the Red Cross site asked about how often I donated. They made mention of the idea of donating around Christmas each year as a way to give someone else a gift that might save a life but cost me nothing. That sounded like a great idea, so I put a yearly note on my Day-Timer calendar for each December.

You can do more, you know?

It was another conversation with a Red Cross worker that finally spurred me to do more when they said, “You know, you can donate every eight weeks, don’t you?” Well, no, I guess I didn’t, but that started it rolling, trying to donate as frequently as my schedule would permit.

I also realized at that time that if I hadn’t been asked by someone else to go the first time, I might have never donated at all. I then started talking about donations to family members and other friends.

I do the coming events A/V screens in our church’s foyer and lobby, so I started making sure that all upcoming blood drives were advertised on our screens each time they were scheduled. Posting on social media, I’d mention the date and time with a “Won’t you join me next Tuesday?” type message.

So, I’ll end with the same message that started me – “Hey, want to come along?” There are dozens of locations available each week. It’s honestly easy to do, and you could save as many as three lives each time you donate.

Posted by Ryan Lang, Red Cross board member and volunteer

Volunteer finds role that allows her to give back to her community during pandemic

Posted on October 15, 2020 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Olivia Wyles, American Red Cross volunteer

October 15, 2020- In the last four months, the Northern Ohio region of the American Red Cross has welcomed Lucy Anne Christopher, a Cleveland native, to our team as a Blood Donor Ambassador. Lucy Anne is no stranger to volunteerism. Before she began serving with the Red Cross, she has humbly taken on other opportunities to give back to the community, including her role with the Ronald McDonald House where she carries out activities for patients and their families. She serves as a “red coat volunteer” at PlayHouse Square Theater and also tutors adults in reading and other subjects.

When the coronavirus pandemic made its mark on the United States in March 2020, Lucy Anne’s involvement began to change. Her roles at PlayHouse Square and the Ronald McDonald House were both put on hold but Lucy Anne still wanted to be involved and help her community. She was no longer able to tutor her students at the local library, so she began conducting reading exercises over the phone with her students. In June, she took on the role as a Blood Donor Ambassador with the Red Cross.

As a Blood Donor Ambassador, Lucy Anne takes the temperatures of each person who comes in to donate blood, checks them in and out of the computer system, and interacts with donors, ensuring that they have a positive experience. Lucy Anne explained that it’s a very simple role, but it makes a big difference in maintaining the seamless flow of blood donors in and out of the blood drive and provides relief to those drawing blood so that they can focus on their direct tasks rather than needing to also check people in. Lucy Anne reflected that she does not feel at risk of contracting the virus in her role because there is a high level of cleanliness and safety measures in place at the Red Cross blood drives that make her feel comfortable performing her role.

Lucy Anne is a fantastic example of how we all have the capability to make a change, big or small, in the communities where we live. She said, “I volunteer because I think it’s important to give back. There are so many areas that have a need, and you can always find an avenue to serve in that is compatible with your current lifestyle.” The Red Cross collects and distributes approximately 40% of the United States’ blood supply. Our Blood Donor Ambassadors play a big part in creating a positive donation experience for our donors. There is a great need for volunteers as we navigate the coronavirus pandemic in the United States. If you are interested in becoming a Blood Donor Ambassador in your area, click here to learn more and apply

If you want to meet Lucy Anne and the other wonderful Blood Donor Ambassadors in Northern Ohio, while providing lifesaving blood to those in need, you can schedule your blood donation today. The need for blood never stops, even during this COVID-19 pandemic. Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff – have been implemented to ensure the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a face covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance.

Healthy individuals who are feeling well are asked to make an appointment to donate in the weeks and months ahead by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

Edited by Glenda Bogar, American Red Cross volunteer

Student volunteers encourage blood donations

Posted on December 11, 2019 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Beth Bracale, American Red Cross communications volunteer

I’m a new teacher at Lakeside High School in Ashtabula, Ohio, and I discovered that some of my students volunteer at our American Red Cross blood drives. They’re held four times a year, the most recent being the last day of school before Thanksgiving break. Student volunteer Yuliana Padilla Rios pointed out that one unit of donated blood can potentially help three different people. That means all the students and staff who donated blood that Tuesday gave many families reason to give thanks!

I asked Iris Arrieta Ortiz, a senior at LHS, why she volunteers. She said it gives her the chance to help others help those in need. When she and her friends register donors at the event, they explain the process and let people know what to expect. They assure new donors there’s nothing to worry about. Everyone is well taken care of – and they even get snacks! The students encourage anyone at school who is 16 or older to donate.

Ainniz Millan Ithier, left, and Iris Arrieta Ortiz staff the registration table

This event was Ainniz Millan Ithier’s first time volunteering at a blood drive. She said she would definitely do so again. She and her fellow volunteers hope to inspire others to participate in the next event. Yuliana and Iris said being able to scan the new Ohio driver licenses made registration even easier. All agreed that the Red Cross team members who came to the school were great to work with, and it’s a plus to be able to do community service right at school.

Student volunteer Angelina Isco

If you would like to help blood donors at blood drives as a volunteer donor ambassador, visit our website by clicking here.

For information about holding a blood drive at your school or to find a donation event in your area, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Edited by Glenda Bogar, American Red Cross communications volunteer

Photo credit: Lakeside High School

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American Red Cross of Northern Ohio Region

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