Disasters harm families. Can you help? (Whatcom County)

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Every day, the American Red Cross sees the heartbreak of people trying to cope with more intense storms, heavier rainfall, higher temperatures, stronger hurricanes and more devastating wildfires.

As more people rely on the Red Cross for help, the need for compassionate volunteers has never been greater.

Volunteers help comfort and support people who are forced from their homes due to fires, storms and other emergencies, so they don’t have to face tough times alone. Join us and turn your compassion into action by becoming a volunteer today. We are actively recruiting for these critical volunteer roles:

Shelter Support Team: During large disasters, you can support the day-to-day activities within a shelter which may include working in reception, registration, feeding, dormitory, information or other areas within a shelter. Free online training will be provided. If the need arises, volunteers are asked to commit to multiple local shifts of 4-12 hours each. For those able to travel outside of their local area, a commitment of at least 14 consecutive days, working 8- or 12-hour shifts is required.

Disaster Health Services Team: During large disasters, you can use your professional skills as a licensed healthcare provider to deliver hands on care and education to shelter residents. Free online training will be provided and can count towards nursing continuing education units. If the need arises, volunteers are asked to commit to multiple local shifts of 4-12 hours each. For those able to travel outside of their local area, a commitment of at least 10-14 consecutive days, working 8- or 12-hour shifts is required. Qualified licenses include RN, LPN, LVN, EMT, Paramedic, MD, DO, PA, NP, APRN. Only RNs have full scope of practice.

Disaster Action Team: While big hurricanes and wildfires get the most news coverage, smaller disasters are no less devastating to the families affected. Most of the 60,000 emergencies that the Red Cross responds to each year are smaller disasters like home fires. As a Disaster Action Team volunteer, you can help comfort and support people in your community by meeting any immediate needs such as food, shelter, clothing or supplies and connecting them to long term recovery services. We supply all the training you need.

To apply or learn more, visit: https://volunteerconnection.redcross.org/?nd=lead&a=34250&h=960&p=1337087