By: Betsy Robertson

Justin Romero wanted a job where he could make a difference. He had already left his career as a tile installer and was working at a junkyard when a friend told him the Red Cross was hiring.

“I had an interview and they loved me and they hired me,” he recalls.

That was in early 2023. Today, Justin can say with enthusiasm: “I like working with people. I love what I do. And I’m really good at it.”

He knows he’s giving back to the community and is part of something special. Justin says his job as a phlebotomist with the American Red Cross is about saving lives.

“Ultimately, that’s what it means to me. My father died of leukemia. Before he died, he received blood transfusions a few times a month for several years.”

He has shared this with many of the donors he has worked with and thanked them for their donations. And although he has lost a significant family member, this work has given him the opportunity to grow closer to others and find a community he never expected.

“I always wanted to be part of something special. And this is it. The Red Cross is a big family.”

Author’s note: Justin is really good at his job! He took my blood the day this article was written. It was the best experience I’ve had so far. Thank you Justin for making my blood donation easy and enjoyable.

The American Red Cross is experiencing an acute blood shortage and is urging people to immediately schedule blood donations to help provide life-saving medical treatment to patients across the country.

You can help. Schedule a blood or platelet donation now through the Red Cross blood donation app, at RedCrossBlood.org, or by calling 1-800 RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).