The American Red Cross “It’s about the people”


What do all of us really know about the American Red


Cross and what they do? Well we all have seen the people who wear the trademarked ‘red and white vests’ out in the  States and internationally. In actuality, the Red Cross is responsible for supporting    Nurse Aid training, plus more. The Red Cross also serves military families through their Services for Armed Forces sector.


I also learned that the Red Cross provides a great deal of web-based and onsite initial training and continuous training for volunteers to stay on top of their latest regula- tions, processes and procedures. Before I joined the Red Cross, I really had no idea the scope of this fantastic organization. But the most wonder- ful discovery of all for me are the people I have met along my learning journey.


Let’s start with Lesly Livingston, Shelter Supervisor and   on July 21st this year in the Dry Lake Hills area, just north of town. I received a call and request for me to volunteer at the shelter as a Disaster Health Services volunteer. The  said yes.


I arrived at the shelter at Sinagua Middle School in Flag-


 hint of smoke in the air. Red Cross signs were posted ev- erywhere to guide folks in, and these signs were helpful for me too. Lesly was sitting at a main table as I walked into the shelter, her face beaming with friendliness. She said a very enthusiastic welcome! There were other Red Cross volunteers sitting and talking to clients. Lesly imme- diately took me under her wing and gave me a tour of the shelter. I was so impressed by the layout- a large snack and water table and a separate place for clients to eat meals; there was a room designated for medical and behavior health visits for privacy. There were cots set up in the gym for clients, red cross blankets and comfort kits- all free for clients. There were areas designated for showers for men and women- fresh towels were sitting on a table near the gym. Hot meals were served three times a day for the cli- ents. Meals were brought in by local restaurants, provided by the school cafeteria or purchased by the Red Cross. I asked Lesly ‘what does it take to set up a shelter like


this?’ She said that once a disaster happens, the county   on standby for a shelter need. Lesly is then made aware. Lesly says she has a small group of volunteers that she calls to let them know of the standby situation. She said that when the shelter “is a go,” then two volunteers head  supplies. The Red Cross team inspects the shelter, com- pletes the necessary paperwork and then the shelter is set


22 | ARIZONA’S OWN MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2019


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