SPRINGFIELD, IL (Chambana Today) –  Red Cross is asking for more volunteers as the climate crisis brings more intense disasters.

5,000 people volunteer with the American Red Cross around the Illinois region. They have responded to over 1,700 disasters in the last year, helping over 7,600 people impacted by fires, severe weather, and much more. These volunteers are apart of the almost 275,000 volunteers across the country, providing relief for disaster victims, blood, and emergency support for families and individuals.

The Red Cross is asking YOU to volunteer by visiting RedCross.org/Volunteer.

Some of the most needed disaster volunteer roles include:

  • Disaster Action Team:
    The Red Cross responds to about 60,000 emergencies each year, most of which are smaller disasters like home fires. These may seem less significant in scale but are no less devastating for the families affected. As a volunteer on the Disaster Action Team, you’ll help comfort and support those in your community by meeting their immediate needs, such as providing food, shelter, clothing, or supplies. You’ll also connect them to long-term recovery services. The Red Cross provides all the necessary training to get you started.

  • Disaster Recovery Care:
    After a disaster, people need support to get back on their feet. As a casework volunteer, you’ll help provide that support by referring individuals to other organizations, advocating on their behalf, and assisting with financial aid through a special online system. Volunteers are needed to help both virtually and onsite after disasters.

  • Disaster Mental Health:
    The emotional toll of disasters can be significant, and the Red Cross provides mental health support to those affected. To qualify as a Disaster Mental Health volunteer, you must have a master’s degree and a current, unencumbered license as a social worker, psychologist, professional counselor, marriage and family therapist, psychiatrist, school psychologist, or school counselor. Psychiatric nurses with a state license and at least two years of experience in a psychiatric setting, as well as retired mental health professionals who maintained a valid license or certification, are also eligible to volunteer.