Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
LAS VEGAS (Jan. 4, 2024) — As many Americans embark on ambitious New Year's resolutions, the American Red Cross of Southern Nevada offers a unique and achievable solution: volunteering. Beyond making a significant difference in the community, volunteering has been proven to enhance the mental and physical well-being of those donating their time.
“Volunteering with the Red Cross is a resolution that gives back in more ways than one,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross, Southern Nevada Chapter. “Our volunteers help us fulfill our critical mission, and they often find that the act of giving also contributes to their own well-being.”
Research has shown that volunteering has a positive impact on mental and physical health. Volunteering also provides a valuable sense of purpose and community, benefits that are even more pronounced among older adults.
Southern Nevada volunteers creating positive change
In 2023, over 900 Southern Nevadans volunteered with the Red Cross, providing crucial support for disaster relief, blood drives, and safety and preparedness programs. “Southern Nevada volunteers responded to over 400 home fires, assisting more than 1,000 neighbors. Additionally, we installed more than 2,100 smoke alarms in local homes,” Flanigan noted.
Nationally, over 275,000 Red Cross volunteers serve their communities by responding to disasters, supporting blood collection, aiding military families, assisting global emergency preparedness, and more. Volunteers make up about 90% of the Red Cross workforce.
Help families in need: Become a Red Cross volunteer
Visit redcross.org/VolunteerToday to learn more. In particular, the Red Cross of Southern Nevada needs volunteers for these positions:
To sign up for these and other volunteer positions in Southern Nevada contact Bonnie Cook at bonnie.cook@redcross.org or 702-268-3207. The training is free, and equipment is provided.
Improved health and outlook through volunteering
Research consistently shows that volunteering significantly improves health, associated with lower depression levels, increased well-being and reduced risk of certain health conditions. Particularly beneficial for mental health, volunteering provides a sense of purpose and community. Older adults who volunteer often experience greater health benefits, emphasizing that it's never too late to start giving back.
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.
