By Tammy Taylor

Preparing for emergencies is crucial, as the American Red Cross responds to a disaster every eight minutes and stays ready to respond 24/7. That commitment to preparedness was the focus of the Mass Care Summit, held in March at Country & Town Baptist Church in Mechanicsburg.

The two-day training event brought together Red Cross volunteers and employees from across Pennsylvania with government partners and community organizations to strategize and collaborate before disasters strike. Through real-life scenarios and interactive sessions, participants gained hands-on experience in a low-stress environment. The summit also provided an opportunity for relationship building, which is vital before an emergency occurs.

After a disaster, the Red Cross provides care and comfort to those affected, including safe shelter, warm meals, relief supplies, health and mental health services and other assistance. The Mass Care Summit ensured that volunteers and partners were trained and ready to deliver that support to communities across Pennsylvania when it’s needed most.

Sandi Wraith, the regional disaster officer for the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania, said one of the most rewarding aspects of her role – especially during the Mass Care Summit – lies in working alongside an extraordinary network of volunteers. Wraith highlighted the importance of understanding the motivations that inspire volunteers to join the disaster team. By gaining insight into each volunteer’s purpose, the Red Cross can cultivate a more cohesive and effective team, ensuring they are well-prepared to respond swiftly and efficiently when disasters strike.

“Some volunteers seek to give back to their communities, and some look for a sense of purpose or fellowship within the organization,” Wraith said. “Our responsibility is to find our volunteers’ purpose and help them plug into a role that will not only allow them to flourish but allow them to provide the best service to those whom the Red Cross serves.”

One such dedicated volunteer participating in the Mass Care Summit was Dean Leis, a retired family practice physician from Hummelstown. With five years of experience on the disaster team, he was tasked with overseeing the training for disaster shelter setup. His calm and confident leadership reflects the Red Cross mission of alleviating human suffering in the face of emergencies.

“The disaster team’s role is to serve as a steady anchor for those individuals whose lives have been turned upside down,” said Leis.

That steady presence is made possible by a dedication to service. Wraith emphasized that it is not just the willingness to help that distinguishes the Red Cross, but the organization’s commitment to ensuring its volunteers are fully trained to respond when disasters strike.

“Volunteers are not just anyone who wishes to help; they undergo thorough training to ensure they can meet the specific needs of the communities they serve,” Wraith said.

As the Mass Care Summit wrapped up, some attendees received word of a fire at a hotel housing many long-term residents in Easton. With little time to reflect on what they had learned, they sprang into action without hesitation. They quickly mobilized to open an emergency shelter for those displaced. The rapid response underscored the very purpose of their training—ensuring that when disaster strikes, they are ready to help people at a moment’s notice.

As the climate crisis worsens and disasters become more frequent and intense, the Red Cross is increasing its capacity to help those in need. To ensure no one faces an emergency alone, the Red Cross has a critical need for more volunteers to respond to disasters big and small. Your time and talent can make a real difference in people’s lives. Visit redcross.org/volunteer to discover the role that’s right for you and get started today.