Red Cross disaster mental health volunteer Stephanie Gilstrom serves vital role in community rebuilding and recovery

October 17, 2024

By Denise Wilson, American Red Cross

Floridians are grappling with the impacts from two deadly hurricanes that occurred in just two weeks. Debris and damage are visible up and down the state, and almost two-million customers are still without power from Hurricanes Milton and Helene. The American Red Cross relief operations stretch across five states to make sure no one faces the heartbreaking recovery alone.

The immediate focus is to provide safe shelter, meals, emotional support and relief supplies for people facing unimaginable destruction. This is an immensely difficult time for many across the Southeast as people struggle to comprehend their new reality. Many have lost everything — their homes, their jobs, their vehicles and their belongings.

Stephanie Gilstrom, a Red Cross disaster mental health volunteer, promotes resiliency and good coping skills for those in shelters. Trained Red Cross volunteers meet with people needing short-term psychological care to reduce stress and provide emotional tools to cope with the disaster. They also connect people with resources in the community for longer-term care if needed.

Red Cross disaster mental health volunteer, Stephanie Gilstrom.

Gilstrom helps residents affected by Hurricane Milton, and this is her fifth deployment with Red Cross.

“This is a great opportunity to help people at the time, date and place where they need it the most,” she said. “People need to talk. We’re here to help, to listen and be compassionate and problem-solve.”

There are more than 3,000 disaster mental health volunteers currently serving with the Red Cross. They use their compassion and professional skills to provide aid in a variety of ways, whether it’s fostering a positive culture in disaster shelters, being a patient listener for someone who needs to talk about what they’ve gone through, or even helping spot early signs of traumatic stress that can be referred for specialist care. Disaster mental health volunteers are an integral component to a community’s rebuilding and recovery process.

“People are thankful for our work and services,” says Gilstrom. “As a mental health clinician, there’s a deep sense of appreciation that someone cares. I recommend this opportunity for anyone in mental health because we have the training, experience and skills to really help.”

NEED ASSISTANCE after Hurricane Milton? The Red Cross may be able to help. People should first download the Red Cross Emergency app to find service locations or visit redcross.org/gethelp. If you need assistance connecting with a loved one because of Hurricane Helene, go to redcross.org and provide as much detail as possible. If you or a loved one needs help, reach out to the free 24/7 multilingual Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 for support.

YOU CAN HELP RECOVERY EFFORTS by making a financial donation or making an appointment to give blood or platelets by visiting redcross.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767). Financial donations for Hurricanes Helene and Milton enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to, and help people recover from this disaster. You can also text the word HURRICANES to 90999 to make a donation.

If you want to make a difference in the lives of others, consider putting on a red vest and joining us. Visit redcross.org/volunteer to find out how you can support your community.