Red Cross seeking volunteers to assist in shelters

The American Red Cross put out an urgent call for volunteers to assist in shelters on Aug. 21 in advance of two major storms heading toward the Gulf Coast.

According to the organization, the American Red Cross has been mobilizing in anticipation of severe weather from multiple disturbances in the Gulf. The above normal hurricane season includes 12 named storms with more anticipated. As the mid-way point of hurricane season approaches, the need for trained volunteers to help support in-person activities in the Texas Gulf Coast grows, the asserts the local leader of the nonprofit.

“Every single day, the American Red Cross helps people in emergencies,” said Chester Jourdan, Executive Director for American Red Cross of Southeast Deep East. “Our vital work is made possible because of ordinary people who do extraordinary things.”

By signing up now, community members will be ready to answer the call to help when the need arises.

Full information on volunteer opportunities is available here.

SHELTER HELP NEEDED!

“There is a special need for volunteers to support sheltering efforts,” the Red Cross describes. “Because of COVID-19, the Red Cross is placing those needing a safe place to stay in emergency hotel lodging when possible. If hotel stays or single occupancy lodging like campsites or dormitories aren’t possible, then the Red Cross will open traditional shelters. To help keep people safe, we have put in place additional precautions and developed special training for our workforce.

“We need volunteers to help staff shelter reception, registration, feeding, dormitory, information collection and other vital tasks to help those we serve. We have both associate and supervisory level opportunities available.”

HEALTH SERVICES SUPPORT NEEDED!

If you are an RN, LPN, LVN, APRN, NP, EMT, paramedic, MD/DO or PA with an active, current and unencumbered license, the Red Cross is calling for your support, as well. Volunteers are needed in shelters to help assess people’s health. Daily observation and health screening for COVID-19-like illness among shelter residents may also be required. RNs supervise all clinical tasks.

Roles are also available for Certified Nursing Assistants, Certified Home Health Aides, student nurses and medical students. The Red Cross need volunteers who can provide care as delegated by a licensed nurse in shelters. This could include assisting with activities of daily living, personal assistance services, providing health education and helping to replace medications, durable medical equipment or consumable medical supplies.

Be sure to review the CDC guidance for people who are at higher risk for severe illness, consult your health care provider and follow local guidance. The Red Cross’s No. 1 priority is the health and safety of our employees, volunteers and the people it serves.

For updates, follow the American Red Cross Texas Gulf Coast on Twitter and Facebook @RedCrossTXGC. You can also visit https://www.redcross.org/local/texas/gulf-coast.html or call 1-800-REDCROSS.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross