Media Contact: Pooja Klebig
Telephone: 669.209.5266
pooja.klebig@redcross.org

Disaster volunteers critical as the climate crisis  worsens

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. April 16, 2024 — During National Volunteer Month, the American Red Cross Northern California Coastal Region is celebrating community heroes whose daily support and hard work embody the organization’s lifesaving mission to help people in need.

As part of the world’s largest humanitarian network, more than 16 million global Red Cross volunteers work side-by-side for the good of humanity. Here in the U.S., Red Cross volunteers provide comfort and relief to help ensure people don’t face emergencies alone. Each day, volunteers support blood drives, assist veterans and military families and provide food and shelter after disasters of all sizes.

Here in the Northern California Coastal Region, more than 7.000 dedicated Red Cross volunteers supported blood drives, assisted veterans and military families and provided food and shelter for people affected by disasters of all sizes. Nationally, volunteers represent more than 90% of the Red Cross workforce providing comfort and relief in the face of emergencies.

“Our volunteers are the heart and soul of the Red Cross,” said Jonathan Bernier, Regional Volunteer Services Officer. “Their support is immeasurable. Without the gift of their time and talents, we wouldn’t be able to help people in what can be their darkest hour.”

The combination of heartbreaking home fires and the worsening climate crisis is creating a critical need for disaster volunteers. Last year, the country saw an all-time high of billion-dollar disasters which forced hundreds of thousands of people out of their homes.

JOIN US ─ VOLUNTEER While volunteers of all types are needed, the Red Cross Northern California Coastal Region has a critical need for three specific positions. These roles are a great fit for those who are team-oriented and want to make an immediate difference. Free online training will be provided:

• Disaster Action Team (DAT) Specialists respond to local disasters, like home fires, to ensure that those affected have access to resources for necessities such as food, shelter, and clothing.
• Blood Transportation Specialist are the critical link between blood donors and blood recipients, by deliver by delivering blood, platelets or other blood products to a hospital.
• Service to the Armed Forces Caseworkers attend to military families virtually as a Hero Care Network Caseworker, ensuring them they are supported, and their needs are met when faced with an emergency.
   

Just like the people served by the Red Cross, the organization is proud its volunteers represent a wide array of cultures, backgrounds, ages, gender identities, lifestyles and beliefs. Everyone is welcome.

This Volunteer Month the Red Cross is inviting community members to put on a red vest and join the team. Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to get started today.

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.

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