By Airik Myers, Northwest Region

As wildfires spread across Washington this summer, entire communities were forced to evacuate. The American Red Cross opened shelters to provide safety, food, and care for those displaced. At the Spokane Convention Center, Kathleen Thompson, a registered nurse from Spokane, stepped forward to serve with Disaster Health Services.

For Kathleen, this was her first shelter experience, and it quickly became clear that the fires had created extraordinary needs.

A Shelter Meeting the Need

Meeting the needs of a large and diverse group of people required attention, compassion and creative solutions.

Walking through the shelter, Kathleen identified needs one by one. She helped a gentleman who could only eat while sitting upright by securing proper seating. She found two new mothers and arranged pack and plays and cots so they could rest safely.

“That felt great,” she said, reflecting on the small but meaningful changes she was able to make.

Responding to Health Needs in Crisis

Kathleen’s role extended beyond individual fixes.

“Honestly, I’ve been doing everything,” she said, underscoring the wide range of responsibilities she carried in the shelter.

Her presence highlighted the importance of Red Cross nurses in disaster response, ensuring evacuees receive the care they need in the midst of crisis.

For Kathleen, the fires were not just a distant disaster. They were happening in her own backyard.

“It’s impacting the whole community,” she said.

She worked with her employer to stay at the shelter where she was needed most, even as colleagues and neighbors faced evacuation themselves. Having lived through wildfire evacuations in the past, she understood fear and trauma firsthand.

“It’s terrifying and it brings back a lot of horrible memories too,” she shared.

A Nurse’s Dedication

When asked why it was important for her to be there, Kathleen’s answer was simple.

“Because I’m a helper. That’s why I’m a registered nurse. If we don’t help each other, then who’s going to help us? Our community needs to help each other.”

Kathleen introduced herself plainly: “Hi, my name’s Kathleen Thompson, registered nurse with the American Red Cross Disaster Health Services, and I am manning the Disaster Health Services at the Spokane Convention Center Shelter.”

Behind that introduction is a story of resilience, compassion, and service. In the midst of chaos, Kathleen brought care and dignity to those who needed it most.