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If you’ve ever met Birmingham local Annette Rowland, you know she wears many hats, and wears them well. She’s a wife, mom of two, adventure-loving traveler and the communications director for the American Red Cross of Alabama and Mississippi (yes, all at once!)

Friends and coworkers might call her a superhero, but really, she’s just like the rest of us: trying to help her community, lend a hand when disaster strikes and make a difference where it matters most.

We caught up with Annette to get a glimpse into her everyday, learn what’s new at the American Red Cross and how locals can help. Here’s what we found out.

Why Alabama’s Red Cross is unique

We all know the American Red Cross for its worldwide work, from disaster relief to blood drives. But Annette will be the first to tell you their work happening right now in Birmingham and across Alabama carries a special energy you won’t find anywhere else.

“We’re not just responding to hurricanes or tornadoes. We’re building long-term relationships in small towns, rural counties and neighborhoods that might otherwise be forgotten.”
Annette Rowland, Communications Director, American Red Cross of Alabama and Mississippi

Whether it’s setting up shelters in church fellowship halls or teaching kids fire safety in schools, the American Red Cross is rooted in deep community ties.

“That makes us both unique and powerful. Plus, the size and network of the Red Cross make it a force multiplier.”
Annette Rowland, Communications Director, American Red Cross of Alabama and Mississippi

Reimagining volunteerism

Volunteering is a wonderful way to make a real difference in your community. It’s also the heartbeat of the American Red Cross.

The organization relies heavily on volunteers for nearly everything they do. So whether you want to be on the front lines in a disaster shelter, donate blood, teach CPR or help tell stories on social media, there’s a role for you.

Annette shared one of the Red Cross’ most exciting initiatives happening right now: “reimagining volunteerism.”

In the past, volunteer roles often required hours of training and long-term commitments. Today, the Red Cross is striving to meet people where they are.

“Not everyone can give 20 hours a week, but almost everyone can give something. By offering meaningful, bite-sized opportunities alongside more traditional volunteer pathways, we open the door for more people to connect with our mission and help us strengthen communities before, during and after emergencies.”
Annette Rowland, Communications Director, American Red Cross of Alabama and Mississippi

Check out volunteer opportunities with the American Red Cross here.

American Red Cross means more than blood drives

When you think of the American Red Cross, blood drives probably come to mind. But they offer so much more. Here are a few lesser-known ways the organization makes an impact:

Supporting military families by delivering emergency messages to deployed service members, hosting baby showers and running resiliency workshops for veterans.
Strengthening community safety by installing free smoke alarms in homes and partnering with other nonprofits to help local organizations be better prepared to respond during emergencies.

From disaster relief to everyday acts of compassion, Annette reminds us that heroes live right here in Birmingham. Want to be part of the story? The American Red Cross has a place for you.

Become a volunteer with the American Red Cross now.

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