LITTLE ROCK -- The American Red Cross serving Greater Arkansas is asking the public to resolve to make a difference in 2024 by becoming a volunteer.
"We're seeing both the frequency and intensity of disasters increase due to extreme weather," Lori Arnold-Ellis, executive director of the Red Cross of Greater Arkansas, said in a news release.
"Across the country, the Red Cross is responding to nearly twice as many large disasters as we did a decade ago to help people. This uptick in responses means we need more volunteers. The need to help has never been greater."
"Our volunteers are at the heart of our mission and represent 90% of the Red Cross workforce," the release said.
To sign up, visit:
http://tinyurl.com/5fdscf9c
"You can help people here in Greater Arkansas or you can sign up to support disaster victims in other parts of the country. Your time and talent can make a real difference in people's lives," the release said.
In the Greater Arkansas area, over 300 people volunteer with the Red Cross. In the last fiscal year, they responded to nearly 590 disasters and assisted over 760 families, it said.
"Our local volunteers are part of the almost 275,000 volunteers across the country whose support enables the Red Cross to provide relief and comfort for disaster victims, lifesaving blood products for patients, emergency support for military families and veterans, and much more. Please resolve to help by volunteering in 2024," the release said.
Some of the most-needed disaster-related volunteer roles include the following:
Disaster Action Team -- Most of the 60,000 emergencies that the Red Cross responds to each year are smaller disasters like home fires and "these are no less devastating to the families affected."
"As a Disaster Action Team volunteer, you can help comfort and support people in your community by meeting any immediate needs such as food, shelter, clothing or supplies and connecting them to long term recovery services. We supply all the training you need."
Disaster Recovery Care -- Casework volunteers provide support to people after disasters to help them get back on their feet.
"This can include providing referrals to other organizations, serving as an advocate, and issuing financial assistance through a special online system. Volunteers are needed to help both virtually and on-site after disasters."
Disaster Mental Health -- Disaster Mental Health volunteers provide mental health support to those impacted by a disaster.
"To be qualified, you must hold a master's degree and a current, unencumbered license as a social worker, psychologist, professional counselor, marriage and family therapist, psychiatrist, school psychologist or school counselor. Current psychiatric nurses with state license as a registered nurse and at least two years' experience in a psychiatric setting are also qualified, as are retired mental health professionals who were licensed and maintained a license or certification in good standing upon retirement."
Biomedical services -- The Red Cross helps to supply about 40% of the nation's blood, "and we depend on volunteers to help ensure patients have access to this lifesaving gift."
Blood Donor Ambassador -- Volunteer Blood Donor Ambassadors ensure that blood donors have a pleasant and fulfilling experience, from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave. They greet donors, answer questions and thank them for their donation.
Blood Transportation Specialist -- Volunteer Transportation Specialists deliver lifesaving blood products from Red Cross distribution facilities to hospitals, using a Red Cross-owned vehicle. Typical shifts are about four hours. "We ask for a commitment of 2-4 shifts per month (or more if you can)," the release said.