Media Contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (May 6, 2023) — Today marks the start of the 30th annual National Nurses Week, May 6-12, created by the American Nurses Association in 1994 to recognize the essential role nurses play in all aspects of health care. During this time, the American Red Cross of Utah is honoring its dedicated volunteer and staff nurses who help the organization fulfill its lifesaving mission every day.
Red Cross nurses bring relief to disaster victims, work in military hospitals, treat patients, collect lifesaving blood and more, according to Dr. Walter Kelley, Salt Lake City-based Divisional Chief Medical Officer for the Pacific, Rocky Mountain and Southwest Divisions of the American Red Cross. “Our staff and volunteer nurses are critical to supporting our communities,” he said. “They provide lifesaving blood therapies to Utah patients suffering from sickle cell disease, cancer and many other diseases. Our nurses also develop and teach courses ranging from CPR/First Aid to disaster preparedness.”
From hospital operating rooms to emergency disaster shelters, nurses are important members of health care teams. “Nurses are a comforting and critical presence, whether delivering simple reassurance or lifesaving treatment,” Dr. Kelley said. Dedicated Red Cross nurses in Utah include Shan Basso, Bob Beesley, Trevor Jacobs, Teresa Melnitsky and Heidi Riebe.
“These committed medical professionals always put others before themselves,” Dr. Kelley said. “I see firsthand the tremendous amount of pressure nurses experience and the grace they exhibit while dealing with life-or-death situations. Nurses Week not only highlights their hard work but should also reminds us to appreciate and support nurses year-round.”
The American Red Cross was founded 1881 by battlefield nurse, Clara Barton
Today, nurses continue to support the Red Cross mission of providing care and comfort to those in need. There are also nurses in a variety of Red Cross leadership positions, including board members, program directors and chapter CEOs.
Volunteer nurses needed
The Red Cross relies on thousands of volunteer nurses and other health professionals to provide medical and mental health care during disaster relief efforts. No matter where you are in your career lifecycle, just beginning to retired, the Red Cross is a place where you can continue helping others. Learn more at redcross.org/volunteer.
Support nurses by donating blood
Help ensure nurses can supply the lifesaving blood patients need. Make an appointment to donate today by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
More about the American Red Cross
The 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 nonprofit organization depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.