Before you even begin thinking about volunteering, ask yourself – Am I well enough to volunteer?
Your safety and limiting the spread of COVID-19 is everyone’s main priority. We encourage you to review and adhere to the recommendations on the Buncombe County readiness site on how best to avoid COVID-19 and what to do if you think you might have it.
The American Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that helps communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies. Activities of the American Red Cross Western North Carolina Chapter include: Blood Services, Training Services, Disaster Services, and Home Fire Campaign.
Currently, The American Red Cross has implemented several enhanced blood donations protocols in the interest of safety, and there is an urgent and critical need for volunteers to support these protocols. We are asking volunteers to support the American Red Cross WNC Chapter with pre-screening blood donors for health and safety prior to giving blood.
Time Commitment:
Blood drives occur M-F and volunteers are expected to attend one blood drive a month to remain an active volunteer. Shifts will be communicated by Red Cross staff after a volunteer responds to the opportunity.
Volunteer Roles:
- Greet blood donors
- Assist with initial intake and hand off through blood donation process
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- Taking temperature of all blood donors
- Asking blood donors a list of pre-determined health related questions
- Attend hospitality area in support of blood donors
- Maintain proper sanitizing and cleanliness of reception and hospitality areas
Volunteer Requirements:
- Knowledge of technology needed for position (training provided)
- Donor checkin, donor tablet, rapid pass, donor app.
- Comfortable working with people from diverse communities and backgrounds
- Dependable, punctual, and professional
- Adhere to all Red Cross guidelines
- Ability to remain calm in crisis situations
- Adhere to CDC safety guidelines regarding COVID-19 precautions
Current Health and Safety Measures:
- Checking temperatures of all staff and donors prior to entering blood drive
- Providing hand sanitizer before, during, and after blood donation process
- Following social distancing between donors at entry, donation, and refreshment areas
- Increased disinfecting of surfaces and equipment
- Gloves and face coverings provided
- We are asking volunteers to wear/bring their own face covering
- Bandanna covering nose and mouth
- Cloth covering nose and mouth
- Fabric or disposable face mask
- Asking volunteers to maintain physical distance of 6 feet or more when possible
- Note: there are times when the volunteer task requires volunteers to engage closer than 6 feet. Please do not sign up if you feel uncomfortable.
Hands On Asheville-Buncombe is not responsible for opportunities managed by partner agencies. If you are onsite at a volunteer opportunity and don't feel safety guidelines are being followed, please connect with onsite project organizers and if not addressed, please let us know by completing our Volunteer Experience Form.
