Experts say the Pacific Northwest could be in for a busy wildfire season this summer and the American Red Cross needs volunteers to help in our local communities.
The coronavirus pandemic will make it challenging to deploy trained disaster volunteers from other parts of the country should a large emergency occur in Oregon or Southwest Washington. In light of this, the Red Cross is asking local volunteers to be ready to help their community.
SHELTER HELP NEEDED There is a special need for volunteers to support sheltering efforts. Because of COVID-19, the Red Cross is placing those needing a safe place to stay in emergency hotel lodging when possible. If hotel stays aren’t possible, then the Red Cross will open traditional shelters. To help keep people safe, we have put in place additional precautions and developed special training for our workforce.
Volunteers will staff positions at shelter reception, registration, feeding, dormitory, information collection and support other vital tasks to help those we serve. We have both associate and supervisory level opportunities available.
HEALTH SERVICES SUPPORT NEEDED We are looking for health professionals including, RN, LPN, LVN, APRN, NP, EMT, paramedic, MD/DO or PA’s with an active, current and unencumbered license. Volunteers are needed in shelters to help assess people’s health. Daily observation and health screening for COVID-19-like illness among shelter residents may also be required. RNs supervise all clinical tasks.
Roles are also available for Certified Nursing Assistants, Certified Home Health Aides, student nurses and medical students. Volunteers who can provide care as delegated by a licensed nurse in shelters are greatly needed.
Volunteers interested in helping their community should a disaster occur can sign up at redcross.org/volunteertoday or contact our region offices at volunteer.cascades@redcross.org.
