Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
RENO, Nev. (March 1, 2025) — The American Red Cross of Northern Nevada was recently recognized as the Eastern Nevada Preparedness Partner of the Year by the Nevada Emergency Preparedness Association (NEPA). This honor, awarded during the 2025 Nevada Preparedness Summit in Reno, celebrates the organization’s commitment to disaster response and preparedness education.
“The Northern Nevada Red Cross is incredibly honored to receive the Eastern Nevada Preparedness Partner of the Year Award from NEPA,” said Bridget Posson, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Northern Nevada Chapter. “This recognition highlights the dedication and hard work of our team in creating a safer and more prepared community. It’s deeply rewarding to see our efforts acknowledged, and we remain committed in our mission to support those in need and build a more resilient Nevada.”
Serving 13 counties across more than 80,000 square miles, the Red Cross of Northern Nevada has a 100-year history of providing relief, hope and support to residents during life’s most challenging moments. Red Cross of Northern Nevada staff and volunteers work with emergency management officials and public agencies to ensure that communities are equipped to face disasters.
Preparedness Partner of the Year Awards
Preparedness Partner of the Year Awards are nominated by NEPA membership and approved by its Board of Directors to honor exceptional contributions in emergency management over the past year. Other recipients of the 2025 NEPA Preparedness Partner Awards include:
Relentless Weather and Wildfire Disasters
Over the past year, the Red Cross of Northern Nevada responded to nearly 100 home fires, providing access to emergency housing, emotional support, financial assistance and recovery guidance to over 350 people. Volunteers worked proactively to prevent tragedies by installing nearly 1,200 free smoke alarms in homes across Northern and Rural Nevada while sharing critical preparedness information. Altogether, Northern Nevada Red Cross volunteers logged close to 4,500 hours of service last year, responding to emergencies both locally and across the nation.
The increasing frequency of large-scale disasters underscores the vital role of organizations like the Red Cross. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the United States faced 27 weather and climate disasters with damages exceeding $1 billion each in 2024, following a record 28 events in 2023. Amid these challenges, Red Cross volunteers provided shelter, meals, and vital aid to those impacted by hurricanes, floods, storms and wildfires.
How to Get Involved
Make a meaningful impact by joining the Red Cross team. Volunteers are trained to provide relief for local emergencies like house fires and to assist with large-scale disasters such as wildfires and hurricanes across the country. Positions are available to match a variety of interests, from on-the-ground response roles to remote support opportunities. Explore meaningful ways to get involved at redcross.org/volunteer.
About the Nevada Emergency Preparedness Association
Founded in 2016, the Nevada Emergency Preparedness Association (NEPA) is committed to building a more resilient Nevada and advancing the professional growth of emergency management practitioners. NEPA fosters collaboration, promotes strategic planning and supports awareness of emergency management’s critical role statewide. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, NEPA remains dedicated to enhancing preparedness and strengthening Nevada’s emergency management community.
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 social media.