Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680

LAS VEGAS (April 16, 2023) — National Volunteer Week (April 16-22) is in its 49^th year, and the American Red Cross of Southern Nevada is recognizing the event by highlighting the important contributions local volunteers make to the community.

“National Volunteer Week is an opportunity for the Red Cross to honor the selfless volunteers who support our community in countless ways,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter. “The Red Cross could not fulfill its mission to help people in need without the time and dedication of our volunteer workforce.”

Nationwide, more than 275,000 Red Cross volunteers serve their communities by: Responding to thousands of disasters of all sizes; Supporting the collection of blood for lifesaving transfusions; Supporting members of the military and their families; Helping communities prepare for emergencies around the globe; And much more.

“This year, more than 600 Red Cross of Southern Nevada volunteers have supported disaster relief, blood drives, and free safety and preparedness education programs in the area,” said Flanigan. “In 2022, Southern Nevada volunteers and staff responded to more than 300 home fires and helped nearly 1,300 people in our communities.”

As part of its National Volunteer Week recognition, the Southern Nevada Red Cross is also drawing attention to the need for more volunteers. “Disasters caused by extreme weather events locally and across the country are just one example of why our need for volunteers continues to grow, and we’re putting out the call,” Flanigan said.

Help families in need by becoming a Red Cross volunteer
Visit recross.org/VolunteerToday to learn more. The Southern Nevada chapter needs volunteers for these positions:

• Blood Transportation Specialist
  Play a vital role in ensuring lifesaving blood products are safely transported from blood drives to the lab for processing and delivered to hospitals.
  Need 20 new volunteers in Las Vegas
• Military Treatment Facility Clinic Volunteer
  Join the team that helps provide relief and resources to service members, veterans, their families, and caregivers.
  Need 18 new volunteers
• Youth Disaster Preparedness Presenter
  Help elementary school students learn about preparing for emergencies with fun and age-appropriate information.
  Need 10 new volunteers

To sign up for a volunteer position in Southern Nevada, contact Bonnie Cook at bonnie.cook@redcross.org or 702-268-3207 or visit RedCross.org/volunteertoday. Free training and equipment are provided.

National Volunteer Week history
Established by Richard Nixon with an executive order in 1974, the week is dedicated to inspiring, recognizing and encouraging people to seek imaginative ways to engage in their communities.

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.