Newsroom@DominionPost.com
Many weather experts predict a destructive wildfire and hurricane season this year. The American Red Cross needs volunteers to help on the ground and blood 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 Jason Keeling, executive director, Allegheny Highlands Chapter of the American Red Cross. “This year’s wildfire season is already very active and dangerous because of the severe drought and dry woodlands across the West. And experts are predicting we could see 10 or more hurricanes in the upcoming weeks.”
Shelter volunteers and health professionals
The Red Cross needs new volunteers to support disaster shelters. Volunteers will help with reception, registration, food distribution, dormitory, information collection and other vital tasks inside disaster shelters. Entry- and supervisory-level opportunities are available.
The Red Cross also needs 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). Daily observation and health screening for COVID-19-like illness among shelter residents may also be required. Associate- and supervisory-level opportunities are available. This position could be ideal for those who are an RN, LPN, LVN, APRN, NP, EMT, paramedic, MD/DO or PA with a current and unencumbered license.
After most disasters this year, the Red Cross plans to open group shelters. However, in some communities, hotels may be more appropriate if the risk of
COVID-19, including the Delta variant, is particularly high. The Red Cross will also continue many of the safety precautions implemented in 2020, including masks, health screenings, enhanced cleaning procedures and encouraging social distancing.
Disaster action team member
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. Those who are team-oriented and want to help their neighbors, should consider becoming a DAT responder.
Last year, the central Appalachia region provided immediate emergency assistance to more than 1,200 families who experienced home fires and other disasters.
Visit redcross.org/volunteer or contact area offices at 304-340-3650 or email carvolunteerservices@redcross.org.
Blood donors needed
Wildfires, record-breaking heat and a busy hurricane season can also impact the nation’s blood supply. On top of the toll extreme weather events take on the lives of millions, disasters can cause blood drive closures or prevent donors from being able to give safely. 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 come to donate throughout the month of August will get a free four-month special offer to Apple Music by email (new subscribers only). Details are available at Red CrossBlood.org/FeelTheBeat.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities through Aug. 31 in Morgantown:
- Tuesday — 1-6 p.m., American Legion Post 174, 3470 Earl L. Core Road
- Friday — noon-5 p.m., RSMO Am Red Cross Morgantown, 1299 Pineview Drive, Suite 300
- Aug. 23 — 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Pizazz Dance Academy, 1383 Earl Core Road
- Aug. 23 — noon-5 p.m., Suncrest United Methodist Church, 479 Van Voorhis Road
- Aug. 24 — 1-6 p.m., Aquatic Center at Mylan Park, 1847 Fitness Way
- Aug. 24 — 1-6 p.m., Wiles Hill Community Center, 287 Eureka Drive
- Aug. 26 — 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Ford Lincoln of Morgantown, 501 Mary Jane Wood Circle
- Aug. 26 — 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Mon Health Medical Center, 1200 JD Anderson Drive
- Aug. 27 — noon-5 p.m., RSMO Am Red Cross Morgantown, 1299 Pineview Drive, Suite 300
- Aug. 30 — 1-6 p.m., Chestnut Ridge Church, 2223 Cheat Road.
About blood donation
To donate blood, individuals need to bring a blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification that are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements.
Donors can also save up to 15 minutes at the blood drive by completing a RapidPass. With RapidPass, donors complete the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of donation, from a mobile device or computer. To complete a RapidPass, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/Rapid Pass or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
In most cases, those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine can donate. However, knowing the name of the manufacturer of the vaccine they received is important in determining donation eligibility.
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