Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
What: National Day of Service
When: Monday, Jan. 16, 11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Red Cross of Northern Nevada, 4750 Longley Ln., Reno
RENO, Nev. (Jan. 11, 2023) —The American Red Cross of Northern Nevada is honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service, Monday, Jan. 16, with a free hands-only CPR class, as well as training for anyone interested in becoming a Red Cross emergency shelter volunteer.
"We are honored to participate in the National Day of Service and pay tribute to Dr. King's enduring impact on our country," said Mary Powell, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Northern Nevada Chapter. "This day is a reminder of the power we have to make a difference in the lives of others as a Red Cross volunteer. In times of crisis, we are there to support our community.”
The Red Cross will be training residents on Monday to know what to do if someone goes into cardiac arrest, and to assist in sheltering people displaced by wildfires, blizzards, or other disasters. Reserve your spot for hands-only CPR and Shelter Associates training by registering at this link.
“Our staff and volunteers give back to their communities by providing vital assistance where and when it’s needed most,” Powell said.
Accidents and emergencies can happen anytime – at home, in the workplace – and anywhere, she said. “Every second counts when sudden cardiac arrest occurs, and rapid treatment can increase someone’s chance of survival,” Powell emphasized. “Red Cross training can give people the knowledge and confidence to respond during an emergency with skills that can help save a life.”
Northern and Rural Nevada residents affected by recent devastating winter storms experienced first-hand the value of Red Cross Disaster Action teams who answered the call for warming centers and emergency shelters, said Powell. “On Monday, participants will get the training necessary to work in a Red Cross shelter before, during, or after a disaster event,” she explained. “Shelter Associates support the day-to-day activities within a shelter, which can include working in reception, registration, feeding, dormitory, information, or other areas. We need more Northern Nevadans to get our training so they can volunteer when others are in need.”
Martin Luther King National Day of Service
Observed each year on the third Monday in January, MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. MLK Day became a federal holiday in 1986, and Congress designated it as a National Day of Service in 1994.
Help others in your community
Local volunteers are needed to as Shelter Associates in Northern Nevada to support residents during times of emergency. For more information and to apply for a volunteer position in Northern Nevada, contact Ericka Smith at ericka.smith@redcross.org, call 775-225-3392, or visit RedCross.org/volunteer.
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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.