National Volunteer Week — Hats Off to Our Red Cross Heroes

It’s National Volunteer Week and the American Red Cross recognizes the nearly 300,000 individuals who selflessly give their time to help people in need. They make our humanitarian work possible. Without them we could not achieve our mission of preventing and alleviating human suffering in the face of emergencies.

Volunteers are the true heart of the Red Cross. They respond to more than 60,000 disasters each year; support the collection of blood to help patients receive the critical care they need; aid members of the military, veterans and their families; help communities prepare for emergencies around the globe and much more.

These community heroes answer the call to help and care for those who need it most every day across the country and around the globe. See some of their stories here.

VOLUNTEER TODAY The need for volunteers has never been greater as larger and more intense disasters happen across the country. For example, the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season was the third most active ever, with 21 named storms causing more than $80 billion in damages. The U.S. also experienced another devastating wildfire season with more than 940 large wildfires destroying thousands of homes and causing $90 billion in damages. And just last month, we saw the most tornadoes ever recorded in March.

With 2022 looking to be a very active disaster year, the Red Cross has a critical need to fill vital volunteer positions. We’ll provide all of the training you need.

There is a need for shelter support volunteers who during large disasters support day-to-day activities such as welcoming and registering residents, helping with meal service, distributing cots, blankets and hygiene supplies, and providing information and other assistance within a shelter.

There is also a need for volunteers that can use their professional skills as a licensed healthcare provider to deliver hands on disaster health services including care and education to shelter residents during a large disaster. Qualified licenses include RN, LPN, LVN, EMT, Paramedic, MD, DO, PA, NP, APRN.

Smaller disasters, such as home fires, are no less devastating to the families affected. The Red Cross is also recruiting Disaster Action Team volunteers to help comfort and support families in need by providing food, shelter, clothing or supplies, and connecting families to recovery assistance.

There is also a need for volunteers to support the Red Cross blood program. Join our team as a volunteer to help ensure new moms, cancer patients and accident victims have access to safe, lifesaving blood.

Needed are blood donor ambassadors who help check blood donors into their appointments, answer questions and give out post donation snacks. Transportation specialists who support hospital patients by delivering blood from Red Cross facilities to local hospitals are also needed.

Training is free, but the hope you provide as a Red Cross volunteer to people in need is priceless. Turn tragedy into hope by donating your time and skills. Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to get started today.