For months, the world has felt grief/anger over the loss, fear or hopelessness brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Some just simply felt overwhelmed.
With more than 300 compassionate professionals volunteering their considerable skills and training, the Red Cross LA worked hard to foster a positive culture, to patiently listen to those who needed to talk and to spot early signs of traumatic stress.
While all non-essential gatherings were paused and buildings/offices were closed, it was quickly recognized that the isolation was having an impact on the workforce. As a result, Project Wellness was created – employees and volunteers called each one of the more than 10,000 people who make up the region. The result? People felt needed; people felt taken care of.
Nationally, the Red Cross launched a Virtual Family Assistance Center to support families struggling with loss and grief due to the pandemic and to help people build resilience and lend support to others during these difficult times.
In essence, taking care of oneself and one another became a massive priority for the Los Angeles Region.
Red Cross disaster mental health volunteer and licensed clinical social worker Dr. Kristie Holmes explains some of the challenges of sheltering in place during COVID-19, plus strategies to cope and practice self-care.
Disability Pride is defined “as accepting and honoring each person’s uniqueness and seeing it as a natural and beautiful part of human diversity." Community Conversations features guests from the Disability Community Resource Center to help turn your compassion into action and help you fully embrace the concept of Disability Pride.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
Take a class and be ready to respond if an emergency strikes.