Theresa Young, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Delmarva appears via Zoom from Vermont, to discuss the disaster relief services they provide in times of emergency. She described their work that begins after the victims are safe; feeding, sheltering and helping them clean up. She spoke of the many volunteers with her, most of the workers deployed are volunteers, trained by the ARC. Ms Young also described their work at home, helping after fires and floods, teaching first aid, babysitting skills and lifeguard certification, and their vital role in collecting blood. The ARC is responsible for the country’s blood supply and she spoke of the constant need, not just for trauma patients, but also for the chronically ill, from cancer to sickle cell patients and the great need for a diverse blood supply. Finally, we discussed their ongoing support for the military, to families at home and by acting as go-between for the branch and the enlisted to arrange home visits during family crisis. Their services extend to family and trauma counseling, too.

She notes also that many of her volunteers come from the military ranks but all are welcome to join their volunteer squad. Volunteers are needed for everything from office work, to blood collection sites to emergency and disaster clean up.

Get valuable safety information, class offerings, blood donor sites and learn more about volunteer opportunities at redcross.org