The American Red Cross Kentucky Region is offering special virtual “Heroes Needed” volunteer training events over the next couple of weeks for those interested in becoming a Red Cross volunteer.
Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Western Kentucky Evelyn Miller says with several major disasters, such as hurricanes and wildfires impacting several states throughout the country, and Hurricane Delta predicted to cause significant damage, volunteers are needed now. She adds more than 50 Red Cross Kentucky Region disaster volunteers have deployed to assist with wildfires in the West and Hurricanes Laura and Sally in the Southeast and have joined the over 1,600 volunteers from around the country to support disaster relief efforts on the ground and virtually. As of Sunday evening, the Red Cross and their partners have cared for 17,200 people across five states and the need for more volunteers is great.
Miller states Red Cross disaster volunteers are trained to respond to all types of disasters and the “Heroes Needed” virtual training is an opportunity for new volunteers with no disaster training to become a Red Cross “Hero” in just a few days. Individuals will receive basic skills training to become a disaster responder, interact with Red Cross disaster workers, and have a chance to assist in disaster relief efforts.
She notes trained volunteers will provide feeding, sheltering, health, and mental health services and assist with long-term recovery planning and advocacy for individuals and families impacted by disaster. Locally, volunteers respond to disasters daily, such as home fires, as well as offer preparedness education.
Miller explains virtual training will be held via Microsoft Teams October 14th and 15th from 5 until 8PM, October 17th from 9AM until 2:30PM, and October 19th and 20th from 8 until 11AM.
For more information about how to register you can contact Stacy Taylor-Bernard at 502-612-9202 or by emailing stacy.taylorbernard2@redcross.org.
