Consider joining the Red Cross volunteer team

Every eight minutes, the American Red Cross brings help and hope to people in need. As we celebrate Red Cross Month this month, we’d like to thank the volunteers who work tirelessly to provide services to those in need when a disaster arises and encourage more people to get involved in this wonderful organization.

Founded by Clara Barton on May 21, 1881, the Red Cross received its first congressional charter in 1900 and to this day is tasked by the federal government with providing services to members of the American armed forces and their families, as well as providing disaster relief in the United States and around the world.

This part of the state is served by the Northern Colorado chapter of the American Rec Cross, which provides services to the following counties: Logan, Cheyenne, Kit Carson, Larimer, Lincoln, Morgan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Washington, Weld and Yuma.

Part of the chapter’s mission is to alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers in every community. There are many different volunteer opportunities.

One of the most needed volunteer opportunities is the Disaster Action Team. Every day people are forced from their homes due to fires, storms and other disasters and you can be part of a team that helps and responds to over 60,000 emergencies every year. From offering a caring and compassionate ear, to meeting the disaster-caused needs of individuals and households, such as lodging and clothing, and connecting them with longterm recovery services, Red Cross volunteers ensure that families don’t have to face tough times alone.

Another one of the most needed volunteer opportunities is the Disaster Health Services. During large disasters, you can use your professional skills as a licensed healthcare provider to deliver hands-on care and education to shelter residents.

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. Travel, lodging and meals are provided for deployed workers.

A third volunteer opportunity is blood donor support. You can volunteer at blood drives or join the Red Cross’ mission-critical volunteer positions to carry out other aspects of the organization’s lifesaving work.

You can even volunteer from the comfort of your own home as Red Cross offers opportunities to support its mission virtually through a wide range of volunteer opportunities in which volunteers can engage remotely.

To learn more about the volunteer opportunities listed above and the many other positions available, you can visit Redcross.org or call 970-2265728.