RedCrossPhillyBlog

Category: Volunteer

  • National Volunteer Week: Red Cross recognizes crucial support of its volunteers

    By Dave Skutnik

    National Volunteer Week is April 17-23 and the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Region honors the work of its volunteers who give their time to help people in need.

    Across the country, more than 300,000 Red Cross volunteers serve their communities by responding to thousands of disasters; supporting the collection of blood to help patients receive the critical care they need; aiding members of the military and their families; helping communities prepare for emergencies around the globe and much more.

    Here in the Southeastern Pennsylvania Region, more than 1,800 volunteers help their community. “National Volunteer Week is time to honor all of our volunteers for their constant service and support,” said Guy Triano, Regional CEO for the American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania.  “They are true heroes who give their time day and night to help their local community.”

    Last year, Southeastern Pennsylvania Red Cross volunteers provided food, shelter, comfort and hope to more than 1,000 local families who faced emergency situations. They trained more than 52,000 people in lifesaving skills and provided 2,700 services to military members, veterans and their families.

    TOP 5 MOST NEEDED VOLUNTEER POSITIONS

    The need for volunteers has never been greater as we experience larger and more intense disasters across the country. Please consider becoming a Red Cross volunteer to help families in need. We’ll provide all the training you need. Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to learn more.

    1. Shelter Support Team: During large disasters, these volunteers support the day-to-day activities such as welcoming and registering residents, helping with meal service, distributing cots, blankets and hygiene supplies, and providing information and other assistance within a shelter. If the need arises, volunteers are asked to commit to multiple local shifts of 4-12 hours each. For those able to travel, a commitment of at least 14 consecutive days, working 8- or 12-hour shifts is required.

    2. Disaster Health Services Team: These volunteers use their professional skills as a licensed healthcare provider to deliver hands on care and education to shelter residents during a large disaster. Our free online training can count towards nursing continuing education units. If the need arises, volunteers are asked to commit to multiple local shifts of 4-12 hours each. For those able to travel, a commitment of at least 10-14 consecutive days, working 8- or 12-hour shifts is required. Qualified licenses include RN, LPN, LVN, EMT, Paramedic, MD, DO, PA, NP, APRN. Only RNs have full scope of practice.

    3. Disaster Action Team: While big hurricanes and wildfires get the most news coverage, smaller disasters such as home fires are no less devastating to those affected. That’s why we need volunteers to help comfort and support local families in need by providing food, shelter, clothing or supplies, and connecting families to recovery assistance.

    4. Blood Donor Ambassador: Just as disasters happen every day, the need for blood is constant. The Red Cross is also recruiting for critical volunteers to support our work to ensure hospital patients have access to safe, lifesaving blood. You can help save countless lives as a blood donor ambassador. These volunteers check blood donors into their appointments, answer questions and give out post donation snacks.

    5. Transportation Specialist: Got a bit more time? How about joining the team of volunteers who drive the blood from donors to the patients in hospitals? Transportation specialists support hospital patients by delivering blood from Red Cross facilities to local hospitals.

    Editor’s Note: We’ll be profiling outstanding Red Cross volunteers throughout National Volunteer Week April 17-23. Be sure to check back daily!

  • 6abc Red Cross Month blood drive helps rebuild blood supply

    By Alana Mauger

    The second 6abc blood drive was held on March 30 in the Fairmount Ballroom at Courtyard by Marriott on City Avenue. Donn Greenberg/American Red Cross

    For the second year, 6abc partnered with the American Red Cross to hold a blood drive during Red Cross Month. Over 150 people came out to donate at the drive, which was held on March 30 at Courtyard by Marriott in the Wynnefield section of Philadelphia. The drive collected 142 units of blood – nearly double the units collected in 2020.

    6abc General Manager Bernie Prazenica talks with Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania CEO Guy Triano and 6abc Vice President-Community Engagement Niki Hawkins while donating blood. Dave Skutnik/American Red Cross

    “This is our second year of doing the blood drive, and last year was actually my first time [donating blood],” said Bernie Prezenika, 6abc general manager, who made his second donation on March 30. “We’re part of our community and we’ve taken great pride in supporting our community. There’s a need for blood that exists all the time, and right now it’s even more.”

    Many 6abc employees came out to donate, including News Director Tom Davis, Assistant News Director Christine Bowley, Producer Stephanie Kirk and Reporter Trish Hartman, among others. Guy Triano, CEO for the Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Region, was also on hand to thank donors.

    “There’s no substitute for blood donations; we rely on the donations of individuals who roll up their sleeves and help save a life,” said Triano.

    Reporter Beccha Hendrickson reported live throughout the drive and spoke with many of those donors who generously rolled up their sleeves. She also produced several pieces leading up to the drive to build awareness about the need for donations.

    For one of her stories, she spoke with Stacey Morris, a Montgomery County resident who has received around 20 blood and platelet transfusions after being diagnosed with acquired aplastic anemia in 2019.

    Speaking directly to blood donors, Morris said, “Don’t be afraid to [donate]. Even if you’re scared, you have no idea how much it helps. I was so touched by the number of people who stepped up. I’m so thankful to everyone who helped me on this journey, especially the Red Cross.”

    6abc Reporter Beccah Hendrickson interviews blood and platelet recipient Stacey Morris at the Red Cross Horsham Blood Donation Center prior to the 6abc blood drive. Alana Mauger/American Red Cross

    Hendrickson also spoke to Crescent Foundation COO Tahirah Austin-Muhammad, who regularly receives blood transfusions to treat sickle cell disease – an inherited blood disorder that primarily impacts communities of color. Patients who receive many transfusions over a lifetime, like those with sickle cell disease, need blood that is more closely matched to avoid a life-threatening reaction. The more donations collected from a diverse pool of donors, the more likely a match can be found.

    “There’s life in your blood, literally,” said Austin-Muhammad.   

    In addition to the recipient stories, Hendrickson covered a blood drive at Chester County Hospital on March 15 to help promote appointment registrations for the 6abc drive.

    Check out our full photo album from the 6abc drive on Flickr.

    Red Cross Disaster Action Team volunteer Randy Miller donates blood at the 6abc blood drive.
    Alana Mauger/American Red Cross

  • #LeadLikeClara: Charline Scott, Disaster Spiritual Care Lead

    By Nancy Degnan

    Charline Scott (center) plays the role of a home fire client during a recent Disaster Action Team (DAT) drill exercise in Philadelphia. She earned an award for “Best Costume” for her efforts.
    Alana Mauger/American Red Cross

    Clara Barton is quoted as saying, “the door that nobody else will go in, seems always to swing open widely for me.” Charline Scott sees and enters open doors everywhere, and today we acknowledge her courage and determination.

    Charline Scott is a minister in her church and has been serving her community for almost 34 years. Like any true leader, Charline wanted to expand her ministry beyond the church and was led to the American Red Cross by a fellow pastor. In April 2014, Charline embarked on yet another journey to give back, and we would like to acknowledge Charline’s humanitarian efforts.

    During a volunteer effort at a shelter, Cathy Jensen, a Disaster Spiritual Care lead, witnessed Charline’s tender interaction with a client and her ability to make a difference. Cathy saw something unique in Charline and encouraged her to join the team.

    As part of the team, Charline teaches preparedness, installs smoke detectors and supports community events that deliver information on fire prevention. She also greatly enjoys supporting the volunteers and staff members who are making great efforts to aid families in need.

    As a result of Charline’s commitment and contributions, she was recently promoted to Disaster Spiritual Care regional lead for Southeastern Pennsylvania (SEPA). Her desire is to make the American Red Cross Mission more profound in the community. Charline feels that she is blessed and wants to pass blessings forward.

    American Red Cross impact

    When asked what motivates Charline to continue her efforts with the Red Cross, she recounted that the organization is very special because they don’t miss a beat when it comes to assisting clients.

    Charline stated, “I keep coming back because I really want all things to be well concerning our clients. If I can be a listening ear and give comfort at a time in someone’s life where peace, joy or hope is lost, it brings me peace to know I may help.”

    Charline’s impact

    Charline describes the most rewarding aspect of her volunteer work is taking a client from the doorstep of sadness to the doorway of hope. Charline has counseled clients with devastating losses, from personal items to the loss of a loved one. With each experience, the one continuous theme with Charline is to lead and help others.

    We honor Charline and her role as an active Disaster Spiritual Care lead for the Red Cross. Beyond her goodwill efforts shared with the world, Charline has had a successful career and raised a family. She is a loving mother of two grown children, a grandmother of six with two great grandchildren and is a caregiver to her mother.

    Like Clara Barton, Charline Scott ventures forward and creates a path for others. We thank Charline for her service and humanitarian efforts!

    Editor’s Note: In commemoration of Women’s History Month, we are publishing a #LeadLikeClara series of profiles featuring women volunteer leaders who emulate the leadership characteristics of Red Cross founder Clara Barton.

  • #LeadLikeClara: Mary Ann Santangelo, Blood Donor Ambassador + so much more

    By Alana Mauger

    Mary Ann Santangelo. Submitted photo.

    Delaware County resident Mary Ann Santangelo was drawn to the American Red Cross for two reasons: its mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering and the fact that volunteers are essential to the organization’s work. In fact, 90% of that work is carried out by volunteers.

    Mary Ann retired from a 45-year career in advertising to care for her late husband. Soon after he died, COVID-19 “reared its ugly head,” and she began her volunteer work with the Red Cross as a Blood Donor Ambassador – someone who helps the blood drive run smoothly and manages the blood donor’s experience.

    “Seeing donors come out in full force despite the pandemic made me realize I was in the right place,” she said. “Having human interaction in a relatively safe situation feels good, for the donors and for us.”

    After six or seven months of volunteering, Mary Ann began training new blood donor ambassadors – a role that she helped to create along with Red Cross Volunteer Services.

    “Being a volunteer at blood drives gave me the hands-on experience that I could share with new volunteers. It’s a volunteer-to-volunteer experience.”

    Since that time, Mary Ann conducts one or two training sessions per week. And that’s only a small piece of her Red Cross experience.

    In addition to her volunteer work with Blood Services, Mary Ann is a member of the Community Outreach team. These are volunteers who share the Red Cross story in the community and recruit others to get involved. This work takes place in person, like at expos, health fairs and community events, as well as virtually. Mary Ann has done presentations for Lincoln University, the Delaware County Senior Center and even a Winnebago club! She credits her advertising career, as well as teaching at Temple University, for preparing her for this role.

    Mary Ann was recently selected to be a Community Volunteer Leader for the Red Cross Delaware Valley Chapter. Here, she strives to connect with Delaware County organizations, like Rotary Clubs, township managers and veterans groups, that can help the Red Cross deliver its mission.

    She also recently completed Youth Preparedness training, which enables her to teach children about disaster preparation. The Red Cross offers two programs: Prepare with Pedro (kindergarten through second grade) and The Pillowcase Project (grades third through fifth). Mary Ann has already taught both – and is LOVING it.

     “Volunteering for the Red Cross has been as exciting as the wonderful career from which I retired,” she said. “I’ve met great people, developed several close friendships and am having fun – all while helping the Red Cross deliver its mission. I look forward to each day when I will be doing volunteer work.”

    Editor’s Note: In commemoration of Women’s History Month, we are publishing a #LeadLikeClara series of profiles featuring women volunteer leaders who emulate the leadership characteristics of Red Cross founder Clara Barton.

  • Volunteers complete critical ERV training

    By Judith Weeks

    A volunteer practices parking the ERV under the guidance of Montgomery County DAT Lead Heidi Dampman.
    Ji-fang Zhang/American Red Cross

    READY, SET, ROLL!

    Twenty-four volunteers from the Red Cross Southeast Pennsylvania Region are now certified to drive the new high-tech ERV (Emergency Response Vehicle). This is a critical event because prior to this training, only two volunteers, Mary Noll and Heidi Dampman, were certified to operate this new ERV. It has replaced the older “box” ERVs

    These volunteers have gone through rigorous training. First, each volunteer must submit a copy of their  driver’s license to Volunteer Services, and then a Motor Vehicle Background Check must be completed. Web-based courses, Disaster Cycle Services and Specialty Vehicle Operation Fundamentals are required. The Defensive Driving requirement is completed using an online course.

    Finally, using the ERV, each completes a Driver Orientation and Driver Skills Assessment. This was held by the Red Cross in a parking lot at King of Prussia Mall. The instructors, Heidi and Mary, introduced each volunteer to the ERV, walking through a check list for fluids, tire pressure, fueling and the driver’s panel. In the back of the ERV, each volunteer is shown how to secure large heavy food transport containers, location of first aid kits, and other supplies. A course was laid out with orange cones for each volunteer to demonstrate driving skills with the ERV. Next, each volunteer drove the ERV on a busy highway demonstrating safe driving and operation of the ERV. On return, the trainee practiced backing the ERV into a parking space. Watch a video of the course.

    Heidi Dampman introduces volunteers to the inside of the ERV. Ji-fang Zhang/American Red Cross

    On completion, the newly certified volunteers are “Ready To Roll!” Most want to be deployed to national disasters. To do so, they must complete training in Mass Care and Feeding for the Service Associate GAP (Group Activity Position). There is a demand for certified drivers nationally. Last November, after the devastating tornados in Kentucky and Tennessee, ERVs from across the U.S. were deployed to the region. Heidi and Fred Lehman (newly certified) volunteered, just before Christmas to drive the SEPA ERV and MRV to Kentucky. MRV (Mission Response Vehicle) is a van like the ERV but serves an entirely different function. It is loaded with supplies for shelters, crates of snacks, bottled water, clean up kits and immediate supplies for those affected by a disaster.

    Steve Thomas, Logistics Lead, and newly certified, explained that training using the ERV is important for the safety of others. ERV drivers are trusted to follow all operating procedures for this important Red Cross asset.

    Sherie Trent, who also just completed ERV training wants to help people and be deployed to national disaster events. She has been a Red Cross volunteer for 14 years, beginning her service with Blood Drives. She is now a DAT (Disaster Action Team) team member in Chester County. For her, “It’s about the community, that’s what I love.”

    View more photos from the training

    Regional Transportation Lead Mary Noll leads Logistics Lead Steve Thomas through the ERV checklist.
    Ji-fang Zhang/American Red Cross

  • #LeadLikeClara: Deb Lozano, Volunteer Services-Volunteer Connection Lead

    By Alana Mauger

    Deb Lozano. Submitted photo.

    In looking for volunteers who exemplify the leadership characteristics of American Red Cross founder Clara Barton, Deb Lozano is an obvious choice. Both broke gender stereotypes in their careers and continually reinvented themselves.

    With a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, Deb started her career in civil service with the U.S. Department of Defense. After 21 years, she went back to school, earned a master’s in project management and did contract work in a variety of industries, pharmaceuticals and engineering.  Impressively, she was part of a team that worked with Boeing’s Chinook helicopters and even led a team constructing an ethylene cracking furnace in Thailand.   

    “I found it stressful to be a woman in that role. There was a lot of pressure, having to prove myself over and over,” she recalled. “But I saw a lot of places and had a lot of experiences I wouldn’t trade for anything.”

    When Deb retired at age 57, she wanted to still “feel needed and be a productive part of society.” She signed up for volunteer work with organizations in the area but didn’t find her niche. After two years, she decided to give the Red Cross a try.

    “My grandmother volunteered for the Red Cross in the 1960s. She always had a crisp uniform with a bunch of pins to represent the blood she donated as well as pins for her service. I remember admiring her for volunteering,” she recalled.

    Deb started her Red Cross volunteer service as a community outreach manager, helping coordinate and train staff for tabling events, parades and other community-reaching activities. As she took more training, Deb discovered the powerful potential of Volunteer Connection – the online tool that engages volunteers and manages their Red Cross experiences.

    Today, she leads a team of five who support Red Cross Volunteer Services in the Southeastern Pennsylvania (SEPA) Region. Her team provides Volunteer Connection training, pulls and analyzes reports and tackles data management projects for all lines of Red Cross services.

    If that’s not enough, Deb also supports Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces activities, not only in SEPA, but also in the Greater Pennsylvania (GPA) Region. She resides in Dallas, PA, which sits in the Red Cross NEPA Chapter footprint. Here, she serves as a Veterans Affairs Voluntary Services (VAVS) Representative at the Wilkes-Barre Veterans Administration Medical Center, providing support to veterans who use or live at the facility.

    “I have found a volunteer home with the American Red Cross; I enjoy the work that I do and value all that the Red Cross does for others. I appreciate the staff and volunteers I work with, and have found them all to be top notch,” she said.  “Every day is a new day working for the Red Cross; you start your day with a plan and are surprised along the way. It keeps things interesting.”

    She continued, “for me, it’s not necessarily about the work. What I get out of it more so is the camaraderie with the volunteers and staff members. It’s feeling appreciated and doing something that is worthwhile to others.”

    Editor’s Note: In commemoration of Women’s History Month, we are publishing a #LeadLikeClara series of profiles featuring women volunteer leaders who emulate the leadership characteristics of Red Cross founder Clara Barton.

  • #LeadLikeClara: Kristen Worman, Youth Engagement Lead

    By Terri Seydel

    The Red Cross “Lead like Clara” series spotlights some of the many remarkable volunteers who support the humanitarian mission of the American Red Cross.  The campaign is inspired by and named in honor of Clara Barton, who founded the American Red Cross in 1881 despite many roadblocks throughout her life of service. Her altruism and passion to alleviate human suffering during devastating events helped shape the course of humanitarian efforts globally.

    Fast-forward 140-plus years: A global pandemic has presented different but equally formidable challenges for today’s Red Cross volunteers. They’ve had to get creative and persevere through unprecedented challenges to carry out the organization’s humanitarian efforts. 

    Meet Kristen Worman, a champion for youth volunteers

    Kristen Worman. Submitted photo.

    Kristen Worman is a Youth Engagement Lead for the Red Cross’s Southeastern Pennsylvania Region. Her mission is to advise and mentor students in middle and high schools through the creation and support of Red Cross Clubs. The goal of these clubs is to instill a passion for volunteerism in young people and to inspire them to become future leaders.

    Worman’s goal is to give back to her community, set a good example for her grandchildren, and motivate young people to help others in need. She’s a great example of how people can use their specific talents and skills to give back to their own communities.

    Before she got involved with the Red Cross, Worman worked for years as a counselor at the middle and high school level. She draws on that counseling experience in her new role with area youth volunteers.

    Making an impact as a volunteer

    Worman began her current Red Cross role in the early days of the pandemic, and she’s currently leading 25 area school clubs—with more planned for the coming year as schools get back to normal routines and in-person opportunities become available. She’s been intentional about helping her club members recognize the needs of others, encouraging them to make a difference in people’s lives and to be positive role models for the next generation.

    Worman says she’s been incredibly impressed with the club members’ motivation and passion to get involved in their communities.  Remarkably, they’ve persevered and stayed dedicated despite pandemic-related challenges, she says.  And through this opportunity with the Red Cross, they’re learning about what’s most important—and establishing core values that will ultimately lead them to a life of purpose.

    Worman believes it’s everyone’s duty to volunteer in some way. She leads by example, motivating the next generation of volunteers to be humanitarians. “If you can help one person in your life, that makes an impact and a real difference in our world,” she says. 

    Editor’s Note: In commemoration of Women’s History Month, we are publishing a #LeadLikeClara series of profiles featuring women volunteer leaders who emulate the leadership characteristics of Red Cross founder Clara Barton.

  • Montco teen wins Red Cross scholarship

    Peter Zucca – Submitted photo

    Peter Zucca, of Harleysville, continues to help save lives by hosting American Red Cross blood drives and has earned a $2,500 scholarship as a result of his lifesaving efforts.

    As part of the Red Cross Leaders Save Lives program, the Lipscomb University freshman hosted several blood drives between Dec. 15 2021 and Jan. 15, 2022 at Towamencin Mennonite Church in Kulpsville, which collected a total 130 blood donations. As a result, Peter was eligible to be entered into a drawing for a scholarship and was chosen as a winner. He was also awarded a gift card.

    Peter organizes dozens of blood drives every year through his own Peter Powerhouse Foundation, a non-profit organization that strives improve the lives of children that are currently fighting childhood cancer by providing donations to pediatric cancer treatment facilities and contributing financial support to researchers to improve the lives of childhood cancer survivors.

    The Peter Powerhouse Foundation was born out of Peter’s desire to give back. At only 10 months old, he was first diagnosed with cancer. In addition to undergoing chemotherapy, radiation treatment and surgery, Peter received 51 units of lifesaving blood. At age 12, he hosted his first blood drive, and since that time, the partnership between his foundation and the Red Cross has staged hundreds of blood drives and helped to save thousands of lives. Peter also serves on the Board of Directors of the Red Cross Delaware Valley chapter.

    The Leaders Save Lives program encourages community-minded high school and college students to host blood drives to help maintain the blood supply for patients in need of lifesaving transfusions.

    Students can sign up to host Leaders Save Lives blood drives during seasonal timeframes throughout the year. For more information, visit RedCrossBlood.org/LeadersSaveLives.

  • Red Cross issues call for volunteers to assist with disaster response, blood services

    By Dave Skutnik

    Cold temperatures keep coming back and every time they do comes an increase in the number of home fires. The American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Region is recruiting new volunteers to help respond to these local emergencies by supporting people in their time of greatest need.

    Across Southeastern Pennsylvania – which includes Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties – trained Red Cross Disaster Action Team (DAT) members have responded to more than 115 home fires since 2022 began, providing assistance to more than 450 people impacted by a fire in their home. Several of these fires have turned deadly, including the devastating fire in the Fairmount neighborhood of Philadelphia that claimed a dozen lives.

    LOCAL RESPONSE HELP NEEDED

    DAT volunteers help families with their immediate needs after a fire in their home and offer support during a very difficult time. As a DAT team member, you will provide emotional support, access to financial assistance and information to help families begin to recover. DAT team members respond to emergencies to provide immediate compassion and care. Training will be provided.

    “Our Red Cross volunteers support their community and neighbors in need each and every day by responding to local emergencies,” said Guy Triano, regional CEO for the American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania. “We need more help so no one faces this heartbreaking situation alone.”

    BLOOD SERVICES VOLUNTEERS ALSO NEEDED

    The Red Cross also needs volunteers to support blood collections as the country faces an ongoing critical need for blood products and platelets. Blood transportation specialists provide a critical link between blood donors and blood recipients by delivering blood to hospitals in our communities.

    COVID-19 AND STAYING SAFE

    The need for volunteers is constant and continues to evolve as the Red Cross navigates the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The safety of everyone is our top priority and our guidelines reflect the latest CDC safety recommendations. COVID-19 vaccination is required for in-person volunteer roles.

    Please consider joining the Red Cross as a volunteer today and bring help and hope to people in need. Find out more at redcross.org/volunteertoday.

  • Resolve to become a Red Cross volunteer in 2022

    By Dave Skutnik

    As we near the end of 2021 and begin to think about our New Year’s resolutions, the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Region asks that you consider making a meaningful choice by becoming a Red Cross volunteer.

    Locally, more than 1,700 people volunteer with the Red Cross. These local volunteers are part of the almost 300,000 people across the country whose support enables the Red Cross to respond to an average of more than 60,000 disasters every year. They help train more than 4.6 million people in Red Cross lifesaving skills; help provide nearly 550,000 services to military members, veterans and their families; and to reconnect almost 9,000 families separated by war or disaster around the world. In addition, as many as 2.5 million volunteer donors give blood and platelets every year.

    “Our Red Cross volunteers support their community and neighbors in need each and every day,” said Guy Triano, Regional CEO for the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania. “In the last year, local Red Cross volunteers helped provide food, shelter, comfort and hope to some 5,000 people affected by home fires and other disasters in Southeastern Pennsylvania alone.”

    Some volunteers also provided more than 2,600 support service for military members, veterans and their families. Red Cross volunteers also helped staff more than 6,400 blood drives in Southeastern Pennsylvania in 2021.

    Here are a couple of positions we really need help filling:

    • Blood Donor Ambassadors – Greet and register blood donors, monitor reception and hospitality/snack areas
    • Blood Transport Volunteers – Deliver blood and related products from our Philadelphia lab to community hospitals

    Training is free, but the hope you provide is priceless. Resolve to make a difference by turning tragedy into hope in 2022. There will also be a free virtual information session on Tuesday, January 11 at 12 p.m. You can RSVP here, or visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to get your application started now.

    COVID-19 AND STAYING SAFE

    The need for volunteers is constant and continues to evolve as the Red Cross navigates the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The safety of everyone is our top priority and our guidelines reflect the latest CDC safety recommendations. COVID-19 vaccination is required for in-person volunteer roles. When considering volunteer opportunities, review the CDC guidance for people who are at higher risk for severe illness, consult your health care provider and follow local guidance.