By: Ara Rexford

For Barb, giving back has always been second nature. A lifelong resident of Cincinnati and a retired critical care nurse, her journey with the Red Cross began at the age of 15. Inspired by books about Clara Barton, the founder of the Red Cross, Barb joined the Volunteens program, which placed teenagers in hospitals to provide comfort care—delivering water, flowers, and warm smiles to patients. It was there that her love for nursing was born, setting her on a path of service that would shape her entire life.

Though she eventually stepped away from volunteering to pursue her nursing career, the Red Cross remained close to her heart. Years later, after retiring, Barb felt the pull to return. The organization had grown significantly in her absence, expanding its outreach and response capabilities. But the heart of the mission remained unchanged—being there for people when they needed it most.

Today, Barb serves in two critical roles: as a Disaster Action Team member and a Recovery Team caseworker. The Disaster Action Team is always on call, ready to respond at a moment’s notice to emergencies like house fires and floods. When the call comes in, Barb and her team rush to the scene, offering immediate support—ensuring families have a safe place to stay, food to eat, and the reassurance that they are not alone.

"Our job is to be the best part of someone's worst day," Barb explains. "Every situation is different, and every person we help has unique needs. Sometimes, they just need a hug. Other times, they're consumed with worry over a missing pet or a child's lost stuffed animal. Our role is to be there in whatever way they need."

The Recovery Team steps in later, following up with survivors 48 hours after a disaster to guide them through the next steps, answer their questions, and connect them with additional resources.

For Barb, being there in the first chaotic hours after a disaster is both challenging and deeply meaningful. One case that stayed with her was a house fire where the family, returning home from church, found their home destroyed. Their neighbor had not only called 911 but also broken in to rescue their dog. Barb remembers the pastor and his family collapsing to the ground, hugging their pet in relief. "Things are just things," she reflects, "but loved ones—whether people or pets—are irreplaceable."

Despite the emotional toll of the work, Barb finds strength in knowing she is making a difference. While financial assistance is important, she has come to see that the emotional support, compassion, and guidance she provides are just as vital.

Her experience as a nurse prepared her for the intense emotional weight of disaster response. She has seen loss and heartbreak before, but she credits her husband and their two therapy dogs with helping her process difficult cases. "A long walk outside, fresh air, and just being grateful for what I have—it helps me reset so I can keep going," she says.

Through her work, Barb has come to appreciate just how much the Red Cross does beyond the well-known blood drives and disaster shelters. She wishes more people understood the full scope of its impact—especially the long-term recovery support that extends far beyond the immediate crisis.

Looking ahead, Barb hopes to take her dedication a step further by joining Red Cross deployments—14-day assignments that send volunteers to large-scale disasters. While her husband's health currently keeps her close to home, she admires those who take on such demanding roles and hopes to one day follow in their footsteps.

For Barb, volunteering isn’t just about providing aid—it’s about upholding the integrity and inclusivity that define the Red Cross. "No matter who you are or where you come from, the Red Cross treats everyone the same," she says. "That’s what makes me proud to serve."

You can be like Barb and volunteer with the Red Cross. Visit RedCross.org/Volunteer to begin your journey!