Service Learning

The organization I  chose was the American Red Cross, while volunteering for the organization volunteers can expect to help with blood drives, helping victims of disasters , and interact with veterans. 

The purpose of the American Red Cross is to provide emergency services for those in need , disaster relief, teaches life saving skills, and supports the military and their families. Their mission statement is “ The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.” The American Red Cross addresses the needs of the organization such as the encouragement to donate blood for those in need especially for the African American community. The organization is important to the community because it serves as a blood bank for those in need and disaster relief. For example, in the article, Thousands Still Fighting to Recover from 2020 Disasters,  the article explains the efforts of the American Red Cross this year aiding with the coronavirus. According to the article, the Red Cross has provided “1.2 million overnight stays in emergency lodging” in many states and provided “17,800 individual care contacts to help people with medical or disability needs” and provided emotional  support during these difficult times. Additionally, the organization has provided disaster relief from hurricane Laura by  providing meals, blankets, hygiene items, masks, and hand sanitizer. The article also expresses how during Covid-19 they are following the CDC’s protocol in order to protect the community while aiding it. 

After reflecting on the organization’s goals and missions of the American Red Cross the importance of the organization has grown for me. Because I realized how much the Red Cross goes beyond blood donations and how it plays a major part in disaster relief as well. I never knew the full scope of the American Red Cross and how much they aid the community in various ways.  

Furthermore, the American Red Cross relates to my major of nursing because in the healthcare field blood supply and donations are vital for those with sickle cell disease or patients who are going into surgery. Also, the compassion and care for the community is a parallel aspect to those of a nurse for his or her patients’. Another degree program that could relate to this as well would be a public health major because they analyze  and aid in community challenges. I would potentially choose this as my parallel major because I would enjoy helping the community and finding ways to improve it. 

Citation

“Thousands Still Fighting to Recover from 2020 Disasters.” Accessed December 3, 2020. https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/news/2020/red-cross-helping-thousands-after-nonstop-disasters.html.