Many weather experts predict a destructive disaster season this year, with wildfires already raging across much of the Pacific Northwest and storms tracking in the Atlantic. The American Red Cross needs volunteers to help on the ground and blood and platelet donors to roll up a sleeve to maintain a stable blood supply in the face of emergencies.
“We’re preparing for another extremely busy disaster season, and it’s critical to have a trained, ready volunteer workforce to make sure we can provide relief at a moment’s notice,” said Ken Turner, Chief Disaster Officer, American Red Cross of Western New York.
The Red Cross needs new volunteers to support disaster shelters, as staff and volunteers from the Western New York region are often called upon to support disasters in regions across the United States. Volunteers will help with reception, registration, food distribution, dormitory, information collection, and other vital tasks inside disaster shelters. Volunteers who can work in disaster shelters to address people’s health needs and provide hands-on care in alignment with their professional licensure (registered nurse and licensed practical nurse/licensed vocational nurse) are also needed.
Local Disaster Action Teams provide 24-hour emergency response to local disasters, particularly home fires, ensuring that those affected have access to resources for basic necessities such as food, shelter, and clothing. Last year, the American Red Cross of Western New York provided immediate emergency assistance to individuals and families impacted by approximately 900 home fires and other disasters.
Anyone interested in helping should a disaster occur locally or across the country should email RecruitWNY@redcross.org.
Wildfires, record-breaking heat, and a busy hurricane season can also impact the nation’s blood supply. Eligible donors can help overcome the critical need for blood and ensure blood is readily available by making an appointment to give by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.
As a thank-you, those who donate throughout the month of August will receive a free four-month special offer to Apple Music by email (new subscribers only). Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/FeelTheBeat.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
•August 20, 1 to 6 p.m., Brockport Fireman’s Exempt Club, 248 West Avenue, Brockport;
•August 21, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Trinity Emmanuel Church, 761 Elmgrove Road, Rochester;
•August 23, 1:30 to 6:30 p.m., Christ Community Church, 36 Coleman Creek Road, Brockport;
•August 25, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Brockport High School, 40 Allen Street, Brockport;
•August 25, 1 to 6 p.m., Riga Town Hall, 6460 Buffalo Road, Churchville;
•August 25, 1 to 6 p.m., St. Leo’s Church, 110 Old Hojack Lane, Hilton;
•August 27, 9 to 4 p.m., Unity Hospital SCU, 1555 Long Pond Road, Rochester;
•August 27, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Gates Town Hall, 1605 Buffalo Road, Rochester;
•August 27, 1 to 6 p.m., Brockport Fireman’s Exempt Club, 248 West Avenue, Brockport;
•August 28, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Gates Chili High School, 910 Wegman Road, Rochester;
•August 30, 1 to 6 p.m., Pearce Memorial Church Family Life Center, 4322 Buffalo Road, North Chili.
Provided information
