By Diane Toomey, Red Cross Volunteer

We’re very proud of our heritage at the American Red Cross. Founded by Clara Barton in 1881, her individual contributions during the Civil War predate the role we now call nursing, but Clara’s work was exactly that. She learned how to store and distribute medical items and offered personal support to the soldiers in hopes of keeping their spirits up. Clara knew she was needed on the battlefield, caring for those who were suffering.

Fast forward to modern times, nurses at the American Red Cross represent all stages of their careers, from students and active medical professionals to veterans who continue their life’s work through volunteering.

Bill Szabo is one of the many Northwest Region volunteers who retired from professional nursing roles and still yearns to help others. Working with the American Red Cross is a means to that end, giving him the ability to maintain a nursing license while providing critical services to the individuals we serve.

Bill volunteers as a Lead Nurse in the Bellingham area. Being part of a Disaster Action Team (DAT) gives him lots of opportunities to support his community, something he didn’t want to lose after retiring. He said he “enjoys the sense of purpose that volunteering grants” him.

Displaced victims of disasters often lose everything, including medical prescriptions, medical devices, and even dentures. That’s another critical area where volunteer nurses come in, helping to recover essential, sometimes life-threatening items.

“Nurses are critical to the quality of our service,” said Amanda Appel, Interim Northwest Region Disaster Officer. “Our mandate is to serve the immediate needs of a community following a disaster and nurses lead our efforts towards improved functional access and disability understanding for every individual in our care.”

Bill Szabo is a leader among them. In his 8 years as a Red Cross volunteer, he has worked in both Disaster Health and Mental Health roles with his nursing hat on. The Red Cross simply wouldn't be able to serve our communities in the same way without volunteers like him.

For more information about how to volunteer with the Red Cross as a nurse or in any number of specialties, go to: www.redcross.org