By Aleesia Benkey, American Red Cross intern

“Working with the Red Cross was a no-brainer,” shared Flora Haus, Board Chair of the American Red Cross of Riverside County.

After 50 years as a nurse, Flora was ready for her next phase of life. Upon retirement, she wanted to continue to use her years of experience as a nurse in a rewarding way. In 2019, she found the Red Cross to be a perfect fit. As a Navy veteran, Flora has always been familiar with the impact of the Red Cross and is happy to give back. As board chair, Flora engages and represents her community by committing to the Red Cross mission.

Flora’s work touches many aspects of the Red Cross beyond her work as board chair. As a volunteer for Disaster Health Services, Flora uses her nursing background to determine the health and personal needs of those affected by a disaster. Flora has spent hundreds of hours working with individuals during their time of need and enjoys every second of it.

Flora also volunteers as an instructor for non-certification CPR courses, her favorite role at the Red Cross. “To me, teaching someone else how to save a life is the most rewarding. Knowing that I can empower someone to make a difference excites me every day,” shares Flora.

Flora wants to highlight the importance of nurses to the Red Cross mission. Clara Barton, a nurse herself, founded the Red Cross, and Flora hopes to keep those roots alive. Nurses have been vital to the work of the Red Cross since 1888. Today, nurses are involved in providing disaster services, teaching and developing courses, and other leadership roles throughout the organization.

“The need for nurses at the Red Cross is never-ending, and I hope to inspire other retired nurses to join me. I want nurses to get the recognition they deserve in serving the Red Cross mission.”