For Carol Van Arsdale, a registered nurse and Red Cross Disaster Health Services volunteer, helping others has always been part of her profession. But it wasn’t until she joined the American Red Cross in 2023 that she discovered a deeper calling – one that continues to guide her with every deployment.

Since then, Carol has deployed ten times, serving communities across the country impacted by disasters. From flooding in Kentucky to devastating river floods in Texas, she has been on the front lines, providing care, comfort and support to families navigating some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

Most recently, Carol deployed to Houston, Texas, where an unexpected cold weather event left many families without heat. As an on-site nurse in a Red Cross shelter, she helped care for individuals seeking a warm place away from the freezing temperatures.

“We had families come in who didn’t have heat in their homes,” Carol shared. “Others were able to come in, get a hot meal, and we identified any medical needs they may have had while they were in our care.”

In addition to providing medical support, Carol worked alongside local partners to help connect people with longer-term resources, including housing assistance. It’s a holistic approach that defines the work of Red Cross Disaster Health Services – meeting immediate needs while helping individuals take steps toward recovery.

But for Carol, the impact of this work goes far beyond logistics or medical care.

“I have a saying: pursue what sets your soul on fire,” she said. “And I didn’t really find that until I did my first deployment.”

That first deployment came in August 2023, ahead of Hurricane Idalia. What began as preparation quickly turned into a life-changing experience.

Stationed at a shelter in an elementary school, Carol cared for a wide range of individuals, including those with complex medical needs. One man in particular left a lasting impression.

After losing his home to flooding, he arrived at the shelter with very few belongings. A double amputee, he had also lost access to the support systems he depended on. Carol and her team stepped in, helping him get cleaned up, securing clothing and ensuring he had the medications he needed.

Amid the uncertainty and disruption, something unexpected happened. During a visit to the shelter, the President of the United States stopped to speak with him, thanking him for his military service and presenting him with a challenge coin.

“You could just see him beaming,” Carol recalled. “He said it was one of the greatest moments of his life. Seeing that…that’s what made it so worthwhile for me.”

Moments like these continue to shape Carol’s experience with the Red Cross.

During her most recent deployment, she encountered another individual – a man in a wheelchair found outside in freezing rain. A police officer brought him to the shelter, unsure of what to do. Carol and her team acted quickly, bringing him inside, wrapping him in blankets and offering a warm meal and hot tea.

“It was just that moment of kindness,” she said. “Meeting people where they’re at, not caring where they came from and just being there for them.”

For Carol, these moments are what define her service.

As a Disaster Health Services volunteer, her role is different from traditional bedside nursing. Instead, it’s about meaningful conversations and connecting people to the care they need in moments of crisis.

“It’s not your traditional bedside nursing,” she explained. “It’s more like community health. You have a minute or two to talk to someone, to understand what’s important to them and what they need.”

And it’s a role she encourages others to explore.

“If anyone is wondering whether they can join the Red Cross or if they have something to offer – I’m telling you, you do,” she said. “There is something for everybody here.”

Driven by compassion and fueled by purpose, Carol continues to answer the call, deployment after deployment, bringing care, dignity and humanity to those who need it most.

“I have moments like that every time I deploy,” she said. “And that’s what keeps me coming back.”

Red Cross Month

As we celebrate Red Cross Month, stories like Carol’s remind us that the mission of the American Red Cross is only possible because of compassionate volunteers who step forward to help others in times of need. From responding to disasters to supporting families through recovery, volunteers like Carol bring comfort, care and hope when it matters most. This Red Cross Month, we honor those who make this work possible and invite others to join us. Whether you give your time, your talent or treasure, you can help ensure no one faces an emergency alone. Visit redcross.org/SouthFlorida to learn how you can support our mission today.