The following information is from the local Red Cross, about ways that the community can help in response to the spread of COVID-19.

1.  THE URGENT NEED FOR BLOOD DONATIONS: We have been asked to promote the urgent need for blood donations throughout the country.  There has been an unprecedented number of cancellations of local blood drives due to some recent school and business closings.   Please encourage individuals to visit the https://www.redcrossblood.org/ web site to search for local blood drives and to make appointments to donate if they can!

2.  CURRENT BLOOD DRIVE VOLUNTEERS ARE ALSO NEEDED:  In addition to the need for blood donors, we are also currently in need of additional Blood Drive volunteers in every community.  As we are working to reschedule local blood drives that have been canceled and in many cases moving the drive to our Red Cross offices or other collection locations; we are expecting an increased need for additional volunteer support over the coming weeks.

3.  CRITICAL NEED FOR DISASTER VOLUNTEERS: In many of our communities, some of our Disaster Response volunteers (some with health issues) would be at high risk to respond to active disaster assistance requests.  Please help us to promote the need for Disaster Service responders to ensure we have the necessary teams to respond to local emergencies.

4.  CURRENT NEED FOR VIRTUAL “VOLUNTEER FROM HOME” VOLUNTEERS:  We are also in need of virtual (work from home) volunteers (that are familiar with working with computer applications).  Our virtual positions of critical need right now are: Disaster Duty Officer (Dispatchers), Volunteer Screeners and Volunteer Recruitment Team Members.

For anyone interested in volunteering for any of these positions, you can apply at the following web address:   www.redcross.org/volunteer .   For more information, please send me an email at Michael.vance@redcross.org.

Thank you for your consideration and support!