By Miguel Gutierrez   

After a disaster like Hurricane Beryl, the need for mental, spiritual and health services in general is critical.  

When Dr. Sonia Bhatia, an American Red Cross volunteer arrived in Texas during the aftermath of the Hurricane, she quickly joined a multidisciplinary team that covered the essential components of Individual Disaster Care—mental health, spiritual health and health services. The team faced immediate challenges brought on by demonstrated by power outages that pushed communities into darkness and made them vulnerable to the heat. 

“As soon as we arrived, it was clear that we were facing a significant crisis,” Dr. Bhatia recalled. “The power was out, transformers were down, and there was a sense of urgency in every shelter we visited. Some [shelters] did not even have basic facilities like showers for our volunteers. It was a reminder of the severity of the situation.” 

Determined not to accept these initial setbacks and focus on coordinating disaster relief efforts, the team mobilized rapidly to reach multiple shelters in rural Texas. Daily drives to satellite shelters became routine, ensuring critical aid reached those affected in remote areas. 

At shelters in Magnolia and Angleton, Dr. Bhatia focused on direct client services, offering mental health assistance and supporting individuals dealing with the aftermath of the disaster. One of the shelter managers quickly came to know her for her nurturing presence, especially with infants and young children. She was commonly referred to as "the sweet lady who is very good with new babies.” 

“There has always been an interest in helping people and an aptitude in talking to them and in, you know, what has turned out to be in American Red Cross-language to alleviate human suffering,” said Dr. Bhatia.

Back home in Orlando, Florida, Dr. Bhatia has been a long-time volunteer working to ensure that people who need help from the Red Cross have the mental and health services needed. 

"Dr. Sonia has been a leader in our health services' efforts for years!" said Janice Moran, executive director of the Greater Orlando Chapter of the Red Cross. "Her work at home in Florida will translate well in Texas, where they are recovering from Hurricane Beryl. She utilizes her education and years of experience from her private practice to truly help those she may not otherwise be able to reach. Dr. Sonia’s commitment to disaster relief is commendable, and her work contributes to the well-being of countless individuals across the country."

During her deployment, Dr. Bhatia reflected on the impact of her two decades of service. She finds fulfillment in the lives she's touched, thinking deeply about the transformative nature of humanitarian work in times of crisis.
If you or someone you know would like to volunteer to share their skills, like Dr. Bhatia, please visit redcross.org/volunteer.