October 19, 2024

Staying involved

American Red Cross makes adjustments to promote volunteerism during COVID-19 pandemic

By DUSTIN MAEDER

Red Cross worker Brianna Aughe explains the process to Creston Community School District Superintendent Deron Stender as he prepares to give blood during a CCHS blood drive January 15 in the high school auditorium. The American Red Cross is still in need of blood donations, but with usual blood drive locations such as schools and churches being closed due to the threat of COVID-19, the organization has concerns over the nation's long-term blood supply. (CNA file)

As closures persist throughout the coronavirus pandemic, the American Red Cross continues to be active in communities throughout the state of Iowa.

“Nearly all of our normal volunteer positions remain available,” said Josh Murray, regional communications director for the American Red Cross — Iowa-Nebraska Region. “But the services we provide may look a little different. There are several volunteer positions that can be completed from home, including phone support, scheduling, IT and communications or volunteer engagement and support, along with many others.”

In order to continue volunteering opportunities while also abiding by the health and safety guidelines, the American Red Cross has made adjustments to their volunteering opportunities.

“We are still assisting families affected by home fires, but most of that is done virtually,” said Murray. “Our volunteers work with the families over the phone or computer to set up casework, make referrals to resources and set up recovery plans, then follow up to ensure the needs of those families are being addressed.”

After a recent pair of large apartment fires displaced several Des Moines families, the American Red Cross worked to find temporary lodging in hotels, which is a different action than standard.

“In the past, a shelter may have been opened, but utilizing hotels was the safer route to go and we delivered meals and supplies to those at the hotels,” said Murray.

However, not all activities can be done virtually. Volunteers are still needed for things such as responding to home fires and other disasters to working at blood drives to helping with clerical work.

“One position that we are recruiting for now is blood donor screeners,” said Murray. “These are volunteers who hand out masks and take the temperature of donors as they enter blood drives.”

Murray said there hasn’t been a big difference in the amount of volunteers during the pandemic, as many Americans appear to be eager to help others at this time.

“There are many people who are looking for ways to help,” said Murray. “We’ve found many people who want to get involved in ways to help their communities through times like this and volunteering is a great way for them to do that. So, we do have a lot of people looking for volunteer opportunities with us.” despite difficulties created for volunteer recruiters.”

The largest concern for the American Red Cross isn’t volunteers, but blood donors. With most blood drives being held in schools, churches and businesses that have been closed due to the pandemic, Murray said the American Red Cross has been putting out word about the importance, to a great response.

“We are currently able to meet the needs of patients, but our focus is on the weeks and months ahead,” said Murray. “We don’t know how long we will be dealing with the effects of COVID-19 and we are concerned about maintaining a healthy blood supply as the demand for blood will likely grow.”

To find opportunities in your area, go to redcross.org/volunteer.