LAS VEGAS (Aug. 9, 2021) — Many weather experts predict a destructive disaster season this year. The American Red Cross needs volunteers to help on the ground and blood donors to roll up a sleeve to maintain a stable blood supply in the face of emergencies.
“We’re preparing for another extremely busy disaster season, and it’s critical to have a trained, ready volunteer workforce to make sure we can provide relief at a moment’s notice,” said Rachel Flanigan, executive director for the American Red Cross of Southern Nevada. “This year’s wildfire season is already very active and dangerous because of the severe drought and dry woodlands across the west. “After several years of record-breaking wildfires, the Red Cross is already responding in dozens of communities and asks you to train now to be a Red Cross volunteer and help if the need arises.”
SHELTER VOLUNTEERS AND HEALTH PROFESSIONALS NEEDED
The Red Cross needs new volunteers to support disaster shelters. Volunteers will help with reception, registration, food distribution, dormitory, information collection and other vital tasks inside disaster shelters.
The Red Cross also needs volunteers who can work in disaster shelters to address people’s health needs and provide hands-on care in alignment with their professional licensure (registered nurse and licensed practical nurse/licensed vocational nurse). Daily observation and health screening for COVID-19-like illness among shelter residents may also be required. We have both associate and supervisory level opportunities available. If you are an RN, LPN, LVN, APRN, NP, EMT, paramedic, MD/DO or PA with a current and unencumbered license, this position could be right for you.
After most disasters this year, the Red Cross plans to open group shelters. However, in some communities, hotels may be more appropriate if the risk of COVID-19, including the delta variant, is particularly high. The Red Cross will also continue many of the safety precautions implemented in 2020, including masks, health screenings, enhanced cleaning procedures and encouraging social distancing.
DISASTER ACTION TEAM MEMBER
Local Disaster Action Teams provide 24-hour emergency response to local disasters, particularly home fires, ensuring that those affected have access to resources for basic necessities such as food, shelter and clothing. If you are team-oriented and want to help your neighbor, the DAT responder may be just the thing for you.
Last year, the Utah-Nevada Region provided immediate emergency assistance to 942 families following nearly 560 home fires and other disasters.
If you want to make a difference and are interested in helping your community should a disaster occur here at home or across the country, please contact our recruitment specialist bonnie.cook@redcross.org or, 702 260-3207.
BLOOD DONORS NEEDED
Wildfires, record-breaking heat and a busy hurricane season can also impact the nation’s blood supply. On top of the toll extreme weather events take on the lives of millions, disasters can cause blood drive closures or prevent donors from being able to give safely. Eligible donors can help overcome the critical need for blood and ensure blood is readily available by making an appointment to give by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.
As a thank-you, those who come to donate throughout the month of August will get a free 4-month special offer to Apple Music by email (new subscribers only). Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/FeelTheBeat.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities Aug. 16-31
AZ
Mohave
Colorado City
8/19/2021: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Colorado City Marshal's Office, 20 Colvin St.
Kingman
8/26/2021: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Kathryn Heidenreich Adult Center, 1776 Airway Ave., # B
8/27/2021: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Kathryn Heidenreich Adult Center, 1776 Airway Ave., # B
NV
Clark
Henderson
8/18/2021: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Spread the Word Nevada, 1065 American Pacific Drive, Ste., 160
8/24/2021: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Green Valley Library, 2797 N. Green Valley Pkwy.
Las Vegas
8/17/2021: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Las Vegas Aviators, 1650 S Pavilion Center
8/17/2021: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Las Vegas Aviators, 1650 S Pavilion Center
8/18/2021: 9:15 a.m. - 2:15 p.m., Wells Fargo Bank - Tropicana/Eastern, 4720 S Eastern Ave.
8/18/2021: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Boys Town Nevada, 821 North Mojave Rd.
8/19/2021: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 6520 N Dapple Gray Rd.
8/19/2021: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Fashion Show Retail, 3200 South Las Vegas Blvd.
8/23/2021: 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Lawry's The Prime Rib, 4043 Howard Hughes Pkwy.
8/23/2021: 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Windmill Library, 7060 W. Windmill Lane
8/25/2021: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., United Way of Southern Nevada, 5830 W Flamingo Rd.
8/26/2021: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Las Vegas Nevada Stake, 3400 W. Charleston Blvd.
8/27/2021: 10:45 a.m. - 4 p.m., Centennial Hills Library, 6711 N Buffalo Dr.
8/28/2021: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Las Vegas Nevada Lakes Stake, 1801 South Monte Cristo Way
8/30/2021: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Meadows Mall, 4300 Meadows Lane
8/31/2021: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., BJ's Restaurants Inc., 5881 Centennial Center Blvd.
8/31/2021: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter, 444 E. Warm Springs Road, Ste. #110
Laughlin
8/25/2021: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Laughlin Library, 2840 Needles Highway
North Las Vegas
8/20/2021: 8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., North Vista Hospital, 1301 E. Lake Mead Blvd.
8/24/2021: 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Grace Point Church, 3794 W. Ann Rd.
8/31/2021: 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Grace Point Church, 3794 W. Ann Rd.
About blood donation
To donate blood, individuals need to bring a blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification that are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements.
Donors can also save up to 15 minutes at the blood drive by completing a RapidPass®. With RapidPass®, donors complete the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of donation, from a mobile device or computer. To complete a RapidPass®, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
In most cases, those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine can donate. However, knowing the name of the manufacturer of the vaccine they received is important in determining donation eligibility.
Blood drive safety
Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including face masks for donors and staff, regardless of vaccination status – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive.
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 Twitter at @RedCross.