A man sits in a chair while a Red Cross volunteer draws blood
By Therese Van Ryne | March 20, 2020

Join Zebra in Supporting the Red Cross’ Response to COVID-19

Blood and monetary donations are in extreme demand right now. Learn how you can contribute.

The American Red Cross announced earlier this week that it’s facing a “severe blood shortage” as social distancing has led to a near-stop in donations. State and local health departments across the United States have also echoed concern about dwindling levels, with officials in South Texas issuing a harsh warning that the “blood supply is at risk of collapsing” without an immediate increase in donations. 

This isn’t just a U.S. issue, either. Canada and Israel are among the other countries facing a similar challenge as concerns about personal health and safety are keeping people at home. But, have no fear!

Blood donations are considered essential to public health, and the Red Cross is taking extreme precautions to protect volunteer donors. For example, it is scheduling individual appointments in highly controlled settings where temperature checks, social distancing and increased disinfection practices are implemented to the strictest standards. But that’s not all…

You can learn more about current blood donation processes and schedule an appointment here.

We hope you’ll join Zebra in stepping up to help by sitting down at your local blood bank to donate! (You never know when you or someone you know may need blood. Let’s make sure healthcare providers are able to provide them with the high-quality care they deserve.)

Beyond Blood: This is the Next Best Way to Help Right Now

If you are not in a position to donate blood at this time but want to help the Red Cross in its mission to provide lifesaving care to those in your community, you can make a cash donation here. Millions of dollars are going to be needed by the Red Cross to sustain its relief work throughout the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic – and the novel coronavirus isn’t the only humanitarian crisis the organization is responding to right now.

Zebra has already donated $25,000 to the Red Cross to directly support those who have been impacted most by the novel coronavirus and we have invited global employees to contribute to this campaign. Today, we’re asking you to join us in our effort as well!

You can learn more about Zebra’s financial gift to the Red Cross and how you can help provide critical relief services for those affected by COVID-19 and other global disasters big and small here.

We also encourage you to contact your local Red Cross chapter to learn more about current volunteer opportunities. Many are asking for assistance delivering meals, medicine and other essentials to those in quarantine. 

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Editor’s Note:

Learn more about Zebra’s year-round philanthropic partnership with the Red Cross:

Topics
Corporate Social Responsibility, Inside Zebra Nation,
Therese Van Ryne
Therese Van Ryne

Therese Van Ryne is Senior Director of External Communications for Zebra Technologies. She joined Zebra as part of the acquisition of Motorola Solutions Enterprise business in October 2014. She and her team are laser focused on growing the company’s brand awareness globally aligned with business objectives. Her accomplishments include leading Zebra events with Harvard University and TED as well as the creation of the annual Intelligent Enterprise Index, resulting in positive media coverage, customer engagement and revenue growth.

Prior to Motorola Solutions, Van Ryne worked at SC Johnson where she led corporate communication strategies and drove PR and branding efforts for leading consumer products. One of her top achievements was leading the Windex® placement in the film, “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” resulting in a 25% sales increase for the brand.

One of PR News’ 2019 Top Women in PR and Crain's Chicago's 2021 Most Notable Executives in Marketing, Therese also has experience as a journalist, editor and producer, reporting nightly from Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Van Ryne holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications and Journalism from Marquette University and an Executive Leadership Master’s Certificate from Cornell University.