As we head into what consultants say can be very busy wildfire and hurricane seasons, the American Red Cross is preparing to reply to these potential disasters. Part of that preparation is rising our volunteer capability to have the ability to assist when and the place wanted.
The relentless tempo of extreme disasters has created extra and ongoing emergency wants, particularly for households who’ve been displaced yr after yr by excessive climate occasions. As the rising variety of local weather disasters threatens lives on a near-constant foundation, the Red Cross wants extra volunteers to reply to these emergencies.
Volunteers make up about 90% of the Red Cross workforce. They are the center of the group, answering the decision to assist and look after others and provides hope to those that want it most.
These are our most-needed disaster volunteer positions:
- SHELTER SUPPORT: Help at a shelter throughout a big disaster by welcoming residents, serving meals, establishing cots, distributing blankets and private hygiene kits, and offering info and different help to individuals in want.
- HEALTH SERVICES: Use your skilled expertise as a licensed well being care supplier to ship hands-on help, together with care and schooling to individuals staying at a shelter throughout a big disaster. Qualified licenses embrace RN, LPN, LVN, EMT, Paramedic, MD, DO, PA, NP and APRN.
- DISASTER ACTION TEAM: While massive hurricanes get probably the most information protection, smaller disasters corresponding to house fires aren’t any much less devastating to these affected. Join your native Disaster Action Team to assist households in want by offering meals, lodging, consolation, restoration help and different help.
BLOOD SERVICES VOLUNTEERS ALSO NEEDED The Red Cross additionally wants volunteers to help blood collections to assist fulfill the continued want for blood merchandise and platelets. Blood donor ambassadors play an necessary position by greeting, registering, answering questions and offering info to blood donors all through the donation course of. Blood transportation specialists present a essential hyperlink between blood donors and blood recipients by delivering blood to hospitals in our communities.
The want to assist throughout disasters has by no means been higher. Join us to supply reduction and hope when it issues most. Visit redcross.org to enroll now.