Many weather experts predict a devastating forest fire season this year. The American Red Cross has a particular need right now for health professionals to help on the ground and blood and platelet donors to roll up their sleeves to maintain a stable blood supply in the face of emergencies.
“This year’s forest fire season is already very active and dangerous because of the severe drought and dry forests in our area,” said Thomas Hill, Regional Disaster Officer for the American Red Cross in Los Angeles. “After several years of record-breaking forest fires, the Red Cross is already responding in dozens of communities across the West asking health workers to train now to become Red Cross volunteers and, if necessary, to help care for people affected by disasters.”
HEALTH PROFESSIONALS NEEDED FOR ASSISTANCE
The Red Cross needs volunteers who can work in emergency shelters to meet people’s health needs and provide practical care according to their professional license (Registered Nurse and Licensed Practical Nurse / Registered Professional Nurse). Daily monitoring and health checks for COVID-19-like illnesses in residents of the shelter may also be required. We have both associate and supervisor level options available. If you are an RN, LPN, LVN, APRN, NP, EMT, Paramedic, MD / DO, or PA with a current and unencumbered license, the Disaster Health Services position might be for you.
After most of the disasters this year, the Red Cross plans to open group accommodations. However, in some communities, hotels may be more suitable if the risk of COVID-19, including the Delta variant, is particularly high. The Red Cross will also continue many of the safety precautions put in place in 2020, including masks, health checkups, improved cleaning procedures, and the promotion of social distancing.
BLOOD AND Platelet Donor REQUIRED
Forest fires, record breaking heat, and a busy hurricane season can also affect the country’s blood supply. In addition to the toll of extreme weather events that cost millions of lives, disasters can result in blood donation drives being closed or donors being prevented from donating safely. Eligible donors can help meet critical blood needs and ensure blood is readily available by making an appointment to donate blood through the Red Cross Blood Donor app, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS ( 1-800-733-2767) or activate the ability to donate blood on any Alexa Echo device.
As a thank you, those who donate throughout August will receive a free 4-month special Apple Music offer by email (new subscribers only). See RedCrossBlood.org/FeelTheBeat for details.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities 16.-31. August
Santa Monica
8/16/2021: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., American Red Cross Santa Monica Chapter, 1450 11th St.
August 19, 2021: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., American Red Cross Santa Monica Chapter, 1450 11th St.
8/20/2021: 1:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., KLOS Radio – Sunset Masonic Lodge 369, 1720 Ocean Park Blvd.
08/21/2021: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., KLOS Radio – American Red Cross Santa Monica Chapter, 1450 11th St.
8/23/2021: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., American Red Cross Santa Monica Chapter, 1450 11th St.
8/24/2021: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Boston Properties, 3250 Ocean Park Blvd, Suite 370.
8/25/2021: 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Virginia Ave Park, 2200 Virginia Ave.
8/28/2021: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., American Red Cross Santa Monica Chapter, 1450 11th St.
8/30/2021: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., American Red Cross Santa Monica Chapter, 1450 11th St.
August 31, 2021: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., American Red Cross Santa Monica Chapter, 1450 11th St.
Submitted by Marilyn Jimenez Davila
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