By: Amanda Shae

Red Cross disaster care workers often meet people on the worst days of their lives. These volunteers provide services to help clients with almost every aspect of their lives, from mental health, to help with finances to providing snacks, water, and comfort items. 

One aspect of the Red Cross’s disaster work that is often overlooked is its spiritual care program. 

Defining Spiritual Care

Spiritual care is a fundamental component of holistic care that recognizes the importance of spiritual beliefs and values in people’s lives. It involves providing voluntary support and care to individuals, families, and communities to meet their spiritual needs and help them draw upon their spiritual resources. Red Cross describes spirituality care as an aim to uplift people’s spirits during challenging situations. This service is available to people from all backgrounds and faiths. 

What Does Spiritual Care Involve?

Spiritual care may take on many different forms depending on the needs of the individual. Spiritual care may include providing emotional support and guidance to those in need. It may involve creating a supportive and calming environment that enables individuals to connect with their spiritual beliefs, engage in religious or spiritual practices, and find meaning in the challenging situation they are facing. Volunteers may also connect individuals with resources from local organizations that fit their needs. 

The Red Cross Spiritual Care Program

Red Cross provides comprehensive spiritual care services through its trained and certified staff and volunteers. The organization recognizes the role of spirituality in promoting healing and resilience among people during emergencies and natural disasters. Spiritual care volunteers may also connect those in need to mental health professionals for counseling. The program creates opportunities for people to connect with their spiritual beliefs and practices, including meditation, prayer sessions, and other spiritual activities. Red Cross collaborates with religious leaders, chaplains, and faith-based organizations to provide additional support to people.

Impact of Spiritual Care

Spiritual care has been shown to have a positive impact on individuals and communities experiencing crisis and hardship. It is an essential aspect of the holistic care the Red Cross provides. The organization’s spirituality care aims to provide comfort, support, and resilience to individuals and communities during trying situations. By acknowledging the importance of individual spiritual beliefs and values, the Red Cross has created a program that has a profound impact on people’s well-being. 

Alaska’s Spiritual Care

Currently, the state of Alaska has only one spiritual care advisor, Rosita Wilburn. After serving on multiple deployments and assisting with endless emergencies here in Alaska, her favorite part about the job is getting to meet and connect with people from all over the country. She says that “Alaska is just unique. Every location is different. Every community is different,” and the spirituality care group is always looking for more volunteers. 

If you are interested in becoming a spiritual care volunteer, please contact Kelin Hickey (907) 290-6554 or kelin.hickey@redcross.org