Regional — The American Red Cross of Massachusetts needs your help in 2022 and asks that you consider making a New Year’s resolution to become a volunteer.
Across the Commonwealth, more than 3,700 people volunteer with the Red Cross. These local volunteers are part of the almost 300,000 people across the country whose support enables the Red Cross to respond to an average of more than 60,000 disasters every year. They help train more than 4.6 million people in Red Cross lifesaving skills; help provide nearly 550,000 services to military members, veterans and their families; and to reconnect almost 9,000 families separated by war or disaster around the world. In addition, as many as 2.5 million volunteer donors give blood and platelets every year.
“Our Red Cross volunteers support their community and neighbors in need each and every day,” said Kelly Isenor, Director of Communications. “Since July, 294 Massachusetts Red Crossers deployed either in person or virtually to provide food, shelter, comfort and hope to relief operations all over the United States. That figure includes the 22 people currently assigned to the Southern and Midwest tornado response.”
Here are a few positions we really need help filling:
Blood Collection Support: Volunteers are part of the lifesaving team helping support blood collections in your community. Responsibilities may include greeting donors, assisting with scheduling of appointments and ensuring donors are thanked for their lifesaving gift. Native Spanish and Portuguese speakers are also needed to volunteer as medical interpreters and translators.
Disaster Action Team: This is the team that helps people forced from their homes due to fires, storms and other disasters. DAT responders work directly with clients and on-scene supervisors to determine the level of support required and communicate those needs to leadership. All team members are assigned to a mentor and will never be required to respond alone.
Training is free, but the hope you provide is priceless. Resolve to make a difference by turning tragedy into hope in 2022. Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to get started today.
COVID-19 AND STAYING SAFE The need for volunteers is constant and continues to evolve as the Red Cross navigates the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The safety of everyone is our top priority and our guidelines reflect the latest CDC safety recommendations. For guidelines visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. COVID-19 vaccination is required for in-person volunteer roles beginning January 3, 2022. When considering volunteer opportunities, review the CDC guidance for people who are at higher risk for severe illness, consult your health care provider and follow local guidance. Visit https://www.cdc.gov/
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more, please visit redcross.org/MA or cruzrojaamericana.org. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn @RedCrossMA.
