By Olivia Bayuk RN, American Red Cross Volunteer As I look out my window in Post Falls, Idaho, at the snow slowly piling up on trees and roadways, I realize, with a start, that we have once again reached that time of year -- the time of snow, sledding, decorations, presents, family, and travel. For many people, it is a joyous season, as they look forward to the colors, the music, the anticipation of Christmas morning, and the promise of visits from acquaintances old and new.
Mental Health and the Military: How Red Cross Volunteers are Serving Those who Serve
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. It's also Military Appreciation Month, and the Red Cross is strongly committed to both supporting mental health and supporting members of the Armed Forces and their families. Combining the two, the Red Cross trains licensed mental health professionals to volunteer and provide support to members of the military, veterans and their families.
The Mental Health Corner Brings Practical Tips to Red Cross Volunteers
By Jennifer Astion The Mental Health Corner has become a regular component of the Red Cross Northwest Regions All Teams Huddle. A representative from the Disaster Mental Health (DMH) Team addresses a topic of general interest to volunteers. “We have talked about the value of humor, how to make our social connections in the virtual … Continue reading The Mental Health Corner Brings Practical Tips to Red Cross Volunteers
Mental Health Tips for 2021
By Jennifer Astion May is Mental Health Awareness Month and a great time for each of use to tune into our own wellbeing in this stage of the pandemic. Dan Mosley, Disaster Mental Health volunteer for the King County/NW Region Red Cross, reflected on some of the challenges we are all facing in the spring … Continue reading Mental Health Tips for 2021
How Diane Burnett Brings Comfort to Hard-Hit Disaster Survivors
By Gordon Williams, Red Cross Volunteer Most Red Cross volunteers deployed to a disaster scene are sent to help feed and house the victims. When Diane Burnett of Seattle was sent recently to tornado-ravaged Alabama, her concern was more the mental health than the physical needs of disaster victims. A swarm of three dozen tornadoes … Continue reading How Diane Burnett Brings Comfort to Hard-Hit Disaster Survivors
Why I Volunteer: Rachel Stapleton
I am a Social Worker by profession and have benefited from Red Cross services both personally and professionally. I was inspired to get involved. I volunteer with the Red Cross because I believe in the value and necessity of mental health services for all people including those experiencing unexpected events. I am currently part of … Continue reading Why I Volunteer: Rachel Stapleton
Helping to Heal the Emotional Scars of Hurricane Harvey
By Gordon Williams The task of most Red Cross volunteers in a disaster zone is to provide victims with food, water and shelter. The task of volunteer Ginger Van Ry in a disaster zone is to provide skilled emotional support to victims whose response to disaster can range from stoic acceptance to deep, crippling depression. … Continue reading Helping to Heal the Emotional Scars of Hurricane Harvey
American Red Cross NW Region 