Blood donation has become personal for the Malinski family of Mankato, Minnesota. Their daughter Melody came into the world in late December 2020, with a congenital heart defect called hypoplastic left heart syndrome. At just five days old Melody faced open heart surgery, and then again had another open heart surgery when she was five months old. During both surgeries, Melody needed 8 units of lifesaving blood, and it’s likely she will need more for her next scheduled open heart surgery in 2025.
Newborn Melody, February 2021, at Children’s Minneapolis still recovering in their cardiac ICU. Picture submitted by Kelli Malinski.
“We are so grateful blood was there when Melody needed it,” says Melody’s mom, Kelli Malinski, who also needed two transfusions after experiencing blood loss during labor.
Melody is almost four years old and is getting ready to attend preschool. “She’s our world,” said her dad, Sam Malinksi. “She’s a really special kid,” Kelli Malinski adds. “You can’t see her scars, but we know what she’s been through at such a young age. Right now, she a happy, normal toddler, who loves to swim and play just like other kids her age.”
Kelli credits blood with saving her and her daughter’s life and gives back regularly – recently receiving a one-gallon blood donation pin. “I’m passionate about blood donation and it’s important to me to give back – giving blood is such a small thing you can do that has a truly amazing impact.”
Kelli Malinski donating blood at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Up Your Sleeve Blood Drive in Mankato, Minnesota, September 3, 2024. The blood drive collected 137 lifesaving blood donations.
She also encourages, and hopes, others will give too. “It’s a great way to help others in need and a wonderful way to give back to your community. You’ll be happy you did it – Melody and I are living proof that blood helps save lives.”
The Malinski’s (Kelli, Melody and Sam – pictured left to right) stopped by the Rock ‘n’ Roll Up Your Sleeve Blood Drive on September 3 to thank blood donors.
September is National Preparedness Month. A strong blood supply is key to preparedness for disasters and medical emergencies, and donors are needed to help ensure blood is on the shelves the moment it’s needed.
Roll up your sleeve, your small act of giving might be a lifeline for someone like Kelli or Melody. Schedule your donation now.
From the sportscasting booth to the fight of his life, Jack Colwell’s journey is a testament to resilience, adjusting the game plan, and taking each day play-by-play.
“It’s been quite a ride I must say,” says Colwell, blood recipient and liver transplant survivor.
Jack Colwell recently celebrated his birthday and credits blood with helping save his life. Photo submitted.
As a radio sportscaster, Colwell – also known as Action Jack, has announced play-by-play calls for countless sports games, but never thought his own life’s playbook would include a cancer diagnosis.
Colwell had abdominal pain for three years before he received the news that he had end stage bile duct cancer.
“I just felt something wasn’t right – my liver was deteriorating, and I found out I needed a liver transplant.”
Colwell’s name was immediately put on the transplant list, and he started radiation and chemotherapy treatments. On December 23, 2023, Colwell got the call that a liver was available. “I was in surgery from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Christmas Eve morning,” says Colwell. “I needed quite a bit of blood – what a gift that was!”
Thankful to blood donors for ensuring blood was available when he needed it, Colwell says “If you can do it, certainly do it! Someone is always in need.”
Jack Colwell, who announces games as Action Jack, pictured outside the Red Cross bloodmobile at a blood drive his employer KWNG/KCUE in Red Wing, Minnesota recently hosted.
Post transplant, Colwell is grateful he is still here to have the chance work, be a husband, to see his daughters get married, and hopefully to enjoy being a grandparent alongside his wife. “Cherish life and live every day to the max,” he says. “I’m living proof that blood helps save lives. It’s a big reason I’m still here.”
A round of applause for Colwell who reminds us that in the great game of life, someone is always in need. Let’s answer the call!
Be a hero for patients like Jack. Appointments can be scheduled by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). To help reduce wait times, donors are encouraged to make appointments and complete the RapidPass online health history questionnaire at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass
Waterville, Minnesota, a community impacted by recent flooding and still recovering, came together to donate blood on Monday. “We have a lot of helpful people in our small community,” said Barb, a former Red Cross volunteer and blood donor who helped organize blood drives for nearly 24 years.
Barb, former Red Cross volunteer, Waterville, MN, Aug. 12, 2024.
The blood drive filled up quickly and they had to add appointments to accommodate those who wanted to roll up a sleeve. In fact, the community surpassed the blood drive goal – reaching 110% of expected donations.
The drive was sponsored by the high school student Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) group in the Watertown, Elysian and Morristown school district. The group tries to host five blood drives a year, and this was the first drive in Waterville since the flooding in June. The next drive is already scheduled for November.
“We try and make it fun!” exclaimed Tricia, the group’s advisor. Sometimes they have special T-shirts made, special treats for donors, or themes to make it more interesting. “We try to get 16 year-olds to become first-time donors.”
Red Cross volunteers Jocelyn, Tricia and Megan, Waterville, MN, Aug. 12, 2024.
Donors included Megan, a high school senior and Red Cross volunteer, who is already a Certified Nursing Assistant and plans to pursue a career in healthcare. “I started donating because it gave me another way to help people that really need it,” she says. “When someone is nervous about donating I just remind them of how they could be saving someone’s life.” Megan and Jocelyn, a student lead for the blood drive, helped check-in donors.
We’re amazed that people affected by their own disaster have stayed committed to helping others through blood donation this summer as we are facing an emergency shortage. Thank you, Waterville and surrounding areas for giving back in such a meaningful way!
Megan, blood door and Red Cross volunteer, Waterville, MN, Aug. 12, 2024
You can help, too. Click here to make an appointment to give and help patients counting on lifesaving blood products being available.
One year ago, the American Red Cross implemented updated Food and Drug Administration guidance that eliminated donor eligibility questions based on sexual orientation.
Meet Kaleb, an amazing Red Cross blood collection technician in the Minnesota and Dakotas Region. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, he’s on a mission to spread the word about how blood donation rules have changed to be more inclusive while keeping the blood supply safe. His rally call to action is loud and clear – “Roll up a sleeve and let your pride shine through every drop, show your rainbow strength and help save lives by donating blood,” he says.
“Roll up a sleeve and let your pride shine through every drop, show your rainbow strength and help save lives by donating blood.”
First inspired by his grandmother, a Red Cross nurse in the early 2,000’s, Kaleb became a blood donor when he was 17 years old and now donates blood and platelets. “I’m passionate about helping others, and blood donation is one great way to do that – I’ve donated 15 units so far,” he says.
Kaleb has turned his passion for helping others into a dream job where he quite literally helps save lives every day. “I know the blood we’re collecting helps save lives or gives patients more time with their loved ones,” says Kaleb, whose best friend’s mother needed blood during her battle with cancer. “I also love interacting with donors, especially first-time donors, who I can walk through the blood donation process and make them less nervous.”
Kaleb outside a Red Cross bloodmobile advocating for blood donation. Photo submitted.
Thanks to updated FDA guidelines, more people are now eligible to donate blood through a new inclusive screening process that expands donor eligibility and eliminates questions based on sexual orientation. “I hope that I am able to build awareness of this change so more people in the LGBTQ+ community know that they might be eligible to donate and make a difference too.”
Since the Red Cross implemented this change on August 7, 2023, countless newly eligible individuals have rolled up their sleeves to give blood, host blood drives and volunteer in the blood services mission of the American Red Cross.
A very excited Kaleb finishes his blood donation. Photo submitted.
Check out stories, including Kaleb’s, of the newly eligible donors who are now giving blood and hosting blood drives with the Red Cross on the Red Cross LGBTQ+ Blood Donor page. Be sure to check out the Interactive Story Map.
Red Cross Disaster Mental Health volunteer, Mary Parker, shares her experience
Disasters are traumatic events. And while many Red Cross volunteers are trained in myriad roles, such as staffing shelters, handing out cleanup kits, driving box trucks and the like, there are also volunteers trained specifically to support the emotional health of individuals and families affected.
Mary Parker is one such volunteer, “We’re all trained in the mental health field, either currently working or done working. This is just our passion, it’s part of our DNA— to help people.”
Red Cross Disaster Mental Health Volunteer Mary Parker from Side Lake, MN at a disaster training conference. Volunteers participate in free training specific to their position.
A Red Cross volunteer for six years, Mary is currently helping people impacted by flooding in Minnesota and South Dakota. Her role is to manage Disaster Mental Health (DMH) services for the response. To reach more people, she says they’ve embedded with other service teams.
“Mental Health has been accompanying crews as they deliver emergency supplies and cleanup kits, talking to clients, providing as much emotional support as we can…We also went out with the damage assessors. As they were going out to assess damage, we did some ride-alongs to talk to people in real time.”
Mary monitors the pulse of the Red Cross relief effort, keen to tap any opportunity that will ensure a Disaster Mental Health presence, “Basically, any activity that’s going on, if I have a mental health provider available, they go. That way there’s more good face-to-face interaction. It’s a good way to determine if we need to do a follow-up call with them.”
Mary continued, “The DMH role really is to be able to listen to their story and have someone to hear their hardships and struggles. We validate their hardships, give them a hug if they need one, remind them that they are resilient, and offer compassion and empathy. We’ve been at fixed sites, we’ve been on the [emergency response] vehicles, we’ve also had DMH at the shelters and alongside caseworkers at resource centers.”
Mary Parker sharing her experiences with fellow Red Cross volunteers at a recent volunteer event.
The Red Cross hosted several resource centers for individuals displaced by recent flooding in Minnesota and South Dakota where trained Red Cross volunteers can open recovery casework for those whose homes sustained major damage or were destroyed. “We’re coordinating health services, mental health and spiritual care, so at least one if not more have been represented at each site.”
In addition to standard Red Cross disaster assistance, individuals and families may of course request to speak with a disaster health, spiritual health, or mental health volunteer about their needs.
“It’s what we do!”
Resources Every eight minutes, the Red Cross responds to a disaster somewhere in the United States. Often it’s a single family home fire. Sometimes it’s a larger disaster like a flood or a tornado. Homes, which are supposed to be places of comfort and stability, can be destroyed, and with them that sense of comfort and stability can be turned on its head at a moment’s notice.
As the physical and emotional impacts of this disaster come into sharper focus for those affected, Red Cross caseworkers and mental health volunteers are on the front lines, providing one-on-one support to individuals and families. Their unwavering commitment helps address the evolving needs of residents during this challenging time.
The Red Cross encourages people to remember to take care themselves, their loved ones, and neighbors:
Support Each Other: In difficult times, it’s crucial for people to lean on one another. Reach out to friends, family, and neighbors—your collective strength makes a difference.
Be Patient: Floods can evoke a range of emotions and reactions. It’s okay to feel worried or drained. Give yourself the grace to process these feelings.
Children’s Needs: Traumatic events impact children differently than adults. Sometimes, their worries manifest in behavior rather than words. Be attuned to their needs and emotions.
If you or someone you know requires assistance, don’t hesitate to contact the free 24/7 multilingual Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990. They’re there to provide support and guidance during challenging times.
Volunteers Needed Do you have a background as a current or former licensed mental health practitioner? Looking for a unique and much needed way to help your community in times of disaster? Consider joining the Disaster Health Services team! Learn more here.
Story by American Red Cross Volunteer Nate Russell.
More than two weeks after floodwaters inundated parts of Minnesota and eastern South Dakota, neighbors, local community organizations and government partners continue to work together to help people recover from the extensive damage.
If you need help, please visit redcross.org/mndaks and click “Get Help,” or you can call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Shelters are available for people displaced by recent flooding. Shelters provide essential resources, including food, water, emotional support and information. Click here for info on what to bring, services available and more.
Red Cross Emergency App: To stay informed and prepared during severe weather, download the free Red Cross Emergency app. Customize 40 different weather alerts, toggle between English and Spanish, and ensure accessibility for people with disabilities. Text “GETEMERGENCY” to 90999 or find the app in your app store.
The Emergency app includes an “I’m Safe” feature that help people check on loved ones. Search “American Red Cross” in app stores or go to redcross.org/apps.
Turn around, don’t drown. Stay off the roads. If you must drive and encounter a flooded roadway while driving, turn around and go another way.
How you can help
Support Red Cross Disaster Relief and help people affected by disasters like flooding and countless other crises by making a financial donation today. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small, like the Minnesota and South Dakota floods.
Donate online at RedCross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-722-2767) or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
The Red Cross encourages financial donations, which provide the quickest and most effective way to assist those in need. Please note that the Red Cross is not accepting donations of food, household items, or clothing, as these cannot be distributed by their teams.
Volunteer for disasters Many people have expressed interest in volunteering to support our response efforts, and we are appreciative of the offers to assist. At this time, our trained Red Cross volunteers are working this disaster.
Help us pre-stage valuable volunteers for the next disasters to help your neighbors in need – from home fires to flooding and more. Put on a red vest and join us as a volunteer today to provide relief and hope when it matters most. Visit redcross.org/givetime to check out opportunities with your local chapter.
Donate blood Unfortunately, the American Red Cross continues to address a concerning shortfall in lifesaving donations since late spring. If you are in an area not impacted by a disaster, please keep your appointment or schedule an appointment to roll up a sleeve and donate blood.
To make an appointment simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
CrisisCleanup.org
Home Cleanup Hotlines have been opened by CrisisCleanup.org to help survivors cleanup in Minensota and South Dakota. We anticipate that most volunteer groups will work through Friday, July 5. 2024. Survivors needing assistance can call 218-288-2213 in MN and 605-519-5413 in SD.
“We make a good team after 45 years of marriage,” chuckled Jackie, a Red Cross volunteer who recently journeyed to Sioux Falls with her husband Rick to distribute essential disaster relief items to people affected by flooding. “It’s a great way to spend time together – Rick’s the driver, and I’m the navigator.”
Rick and Jackie Fredricksen loading disaster relief supplies unto a truck at the Red Cross building Minneapolis for transport to the Sioux Falls area June 27, 2024. Photo: Lynette Nyman/American Red Cross
The husband and wife duo, from Long Lake, MN, joined the Red Cross family last August after they both bid farewell to working life. A former volunteer firefighter, Rick, was eager to keep serving the community so helping with Sound the Alarm events seemed a fantastic place to start. “We once made an alarm installation at a deaf person’s house,” shared Rick. “With the help of another volunteer’s sign language skills, we were able to ensure her home was safer. We were so thrilled about it; we exchanged high-fives! It was truly special.”
This past December, Rick happily helped train fellow disaster team members in Houston, TX and even spent a couple of weeks there in May assisting those impacted by flooding and tornadoes. In the meantime, Jackie was finalizing her own training. “As volunteers, we’re truly embraced by the Red Cross family,” said Rick. “You develop friendships with fellow volunteers – I still get friendly check-in messages from time to time – recently a photo from two volunteers that I deployed with that wanted to say hello.”
Last week, was their first Red Cross deployment together.
Jackie and Rick Fredricksen ready to distribute disaster relief supplies including clean up kits in South Dakota. Photo: Turner County South Dakota Emergency Management.
“Hearing people’s heartfelt stories while they were picking up supplies was so touching,” said Jackie. “Just knowing that we could help them a little while they’re going through so much – they were so appreciative of the Red Cross being there.”
Ricks adds, “People are so resilient. We met a young woman who lived on a farm – they thought they were going to have a bumper crop this year but now have lost everything, but she still had a positive outlook. Or another woman who had skin cancer and was going through treatment – but remained hopeful that things would get better.”
Their Sioux Falls deployment wrapped up on Sunday when the last person came to pick up supplies. “We all signed the top of the clean-up kit!”
When asked about retirement and volunteering with the Red Cross, they both agreed, “We recommend it! It’s so rewarding to meet different people and other Red Cross team members.”
Red Cross volunteer team, including Jackie and Rick Fredricksen, meet Mark, a local hero who stepped up to assist not just himself, but also a neighbor impacted by the recent floods. Photo submitted.
“It gives you another level of energy and positive feelings that you can help,” said Jackie. “There’re so many different ways to be involved with the Red Cross – there’s something for everybody!
Rick added, “It’s a great opportunity to meet new people and make new friends. I feel blessed that Jackie and I get to share this journey together. We return home inspired, exchanging stories, and praying for brighter days for those we’ve met.”
Jackie and Rick Fredrickson with fellow Red Cross disaster volunteer Willis Gravning.
Our work is possible because of trained volunteers like Rick and Jackie. Join our volunteer team – to find a role that works for you, visit RedCross.org/GiveTime.
On another rainy day in Waterville, Minnesota, Nona Ose stood in her family room and pointed to her flooded garden, planted more than 20 years ago in memory of her husband and son. “It makes me happy and other people too.”
Nona Ose points to flood waters still lingering in her backyard garden, Waterville, Minnesota, June 27, 2024. Photo: Lynette Nyman/American Red Cross
Proud of her gardens – Nona was once a florist, among other things – her heart ached to see her work threatened because of devastating flooding. “The water kept creeping up until there was water surrounding my house,” Nona explained. “There were even carp swimming around in my backyard and garden. I’m happy everything has gone down little by little.”
Nona, now 88 years old, grew up on a farm near Waterville and has lived in the same home for more than 60 years. She has navigated through adversity with grace. But this, she said, is scary.
Red Cross responder Sue Thesenga listens to Nona reflect on the flooding in Waterville, Minnesota. Photo: Lynette Nyman/American Red Cross
“It’s never flooded this bad.” When she compared the flooding that happened in 1965 to this flooding, she said, “it was nothing like this.” And, in 2018, she remembers a tornado that uprooted trees, several falling on her house.
Nona is sad about some of her belongings, like a Christmas tree now floating in her water-filled garage. But she’s happy her Christmas village was spared as this year she never put it in storage.
The street near Nona’s home in Waterville remains covered with flood water, June 27, 2024. Photo credit: Lynette Nyman/American Red Cross
Older adults like Nona often are the most vulnerable when disasters strike. Mobility, isolation, and other physical and mental can present different challenges for seniors when people need to move fast and reach safety during a disaster and even after when the long road of recovery begins.
In Nona’s case, her next door neighbors rose to the occasion, proving the power of community support. “They’ve been wonderful! They’ve helped me with things like getting groceries.” They helped with sandbagging and even remembered to pick up a Red Cross cleanup kit for her.
On June 27, outside Waterville’s city hall, Red Cross volunteers distributed relief supplies for people from Waterville, a town of around 1,700. People drove to the site and stopped to pick up rakes, shovels, gloves, garbage bags, and other flood relief supplies, including the kits.
Nona Ose shares a hug with Red Cross responder Sue Thesenga, Waterville, Minnesota, June 27, 2024. Photo: Lynette Nyman/American Red Cross
Nona displays strength and resiliency that is truly inspiring. While describing the rising waters that was surrounding her home, she musters a smile. “I guess I’m tough.” She’ll use the cleanup kit in the basement where she winters flowers from her beloved garden.
“I feel wonderful that the Red Cross helps,” said Nona.
Floodwaters continue to impact our neighbors in southeast South Dakota and southern and northeast Minnesota. The Red Cross is closely monitoring weather updates and river crest forecasts, while trained disaster responders are assisting those in need. Please see below for resources.
If you need help, please visit redcross.org/mndaks and click “Get Help,” or you can call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Nobles County Prairie Justice Center 1530 Airport Road Worthington, MN 56187 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Jackson County Red Cross teams are driving around the community today with kits. If you don’t see us, clean-up kits are also available at our shelter in Jackson. Jackson County Community High School (JCC HS) 1128 N Hwy., Jackson, MN 56143
Windom Mobile distribution, 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Teams delivering kits throughout the community.
Turner County County Building 1055 E Sanborn St Parker, SD 57053 10:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 29, 2024
Davison County Mt. Vernon Public School 500 N Main St Mt. Vernon, SD 57363 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
City of Mitchell 612 N Main St Mitchell, SD 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Shelters and Temporary Evacuation Point
If you or anyone you know is affected by this situation, safe shelter is available. It’s crucial to have a safe place during emergencies.
Shelters and a Temporary Evacuation Point are available for people displaced by recent flooding. Shelters provide essential resources, including food, water, emotional support and information. Click here for info on what to bring, services available and more
Red Cross Emergency App: To stay informed and prepared during severe weather, download the free Red Cross Emergency app. Customize 40 different weather alerts, toggle between English and Spanish, and ensure accessibility for people with disabilities. Text “GETEMERGENCY” to 90999 or find the app in your app store.
The Emergency app includes an “I’m Safe” feature that help people check on loved ones. Search “American Red Cross” in app stores or go to redcross.org/apps.
Turn around, don’t drown. Stay off the roads. If you must drive and encounter a flooded roadway while driving, turn around and go another way.
How you can help
Support Red Cross Disaster Relief and help people affected by disasters like flooding and countless other crises by making a financial donation today. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small, like the Minnesota and South Dakota floods.
Donate online at RedCross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-722-2767) or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
The Red Cross encourages financial donations, which provide the quickest and most effective way to assist those in need. Please note that the Red Cross is not accepting donations of food, household items, or clothing, as these cannot be distributed by their teams.
Volunteer for disasters Many people have expressed interest in volunteering to support our response efforts, and we are appreciative of the offers to assist. At this time, our trained Red Cross volunteers are working this disaster.
Help us pre-stage valuable volunteers for the next disasters to help your neighbors in need – from home fires to flooding and more. Put on a red vest and join us as a volunteer today to provide relief and hope when it matters most. Visit redcross.org/givetime to check out opportunities with your local chapter.
Donate blood Unfortunately, the American Red Cross continues to address a concerning shortfall in lifesaving donations since late spring. If you are in an area not impacted by a disaster, please keep your appointment or schedule an appointment to roll up a sleeve and donate blood.
To make an appointment simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
CrisisCleanup.org
Home Cleanup Hotlines have been opened by CrisisCleanup.org to help survivors cleanup in Minensota and South Dakota. We anticipate that most volunteer groups will work through Friday, July 5. 2024. Survivors needing assistance can call 218-288-2213 in MN and 605-519-5413 in SD.
Floodwaters continue to impact our neighbors in southeast South Dakota and southern and northeast Minnesota. The Red Cross is closely monitoring weather updates and river crest forecasts, while trained disaster responders are assisting those in need. Please see below for resources.
If you need help, please visit redcross.org/mndaks and click “Get Help,” or you can call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
If you or anyone you know is affected by this situation, safe shelter is available. It’s crucial to have a safe place during emergencies.
Shelters and a Temporary Evacuation Point are available for people displaced by recent flooding. Shelters provide essential resources, including food, water, emotional support and information. Click here for info on what to bring, services available and more
Red Cross Emergency App: To stay informed and prepared during severe weather, download the free Red Cross Emergency app. Customize 40 different weather alerts, toggle between English and Spanish, and ensure accessibility for people with disabilities. Text “GETEMERGENCY” to 90999 or find the app in your app store.
The Emergency app includes an “I’m Safe” feature that help people check on loved ones. Search “American Red Cross” in app stores or go to redcross.org/apps.
Turn around, don’t drown. Stay off the roads. If you must drive and encounter a flooded roadway while driving, turn around and go another way.
How you can help
Support Red Cross Disaster Relief and help people affected by disasters like flooding and countless other crises by making a financial donation today. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small, like the Minnesota and South Dakota floods.
Donate online at RedCross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-722-2767) or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
The Red Cross encourages financial donations, which provide the quickest and most effective way to assist those in need. Please note that the Red Cross is not accepting donations of food, household items, or clothing, as these cannot be distributed by their teams.
Volunteer for disasters Many people have expressed interest in volunteering to support our response efforts, and we are appreciative of the offers to assist. At this time, our trained Red Cross volunteers are working this disaster.
Help us pre-stage valuable volunteers for the next disasters to help your neighbors in need – from home fires to flooding and more. Put on a red vest and join us as a volunteer today to provide relief and hope when it matters most. Visit redcross.org/givetime to check out opportunities with your local chapter.
Donate blood Unfortunately, the American Red Cross continues to address a concerning shortfall in lifesaving donations since late spring. If you are in an area not impacted by a disaster, please keep your appointment or schedule an appointment to roll up a sleeve and donate blood.
To make an appointment simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
CrisisCleanup.org
Home Cleanup Hotlines have been opened by CrisisCleanup.org to help survivors cleanup in Minensota and South Dakota. We anticipate that most volunteer groups will work through Friday, July 5. 2024. Survivors needing assistance can call 218-288-2213 in MN and 605-519-5413 in SD.
Red Cross Emergency App: To stay informed and prepared during severe weather, download the free Red Cross Emergency app. Customize 40 different weather alerts, toggle between English and Spanish, and ensure accessibility for people with disabilities. Text “GETEMERGENCY” to 90999 or find the app in your app store.
American Red Cross Minnesota and Dakotas Region 