American Red Cross Creates New Virtual Volunteer Program

The American Red Cross is launching a new program for volunteers to virtually help people who are in need. 

This new virtual program is called "RC Care" a program to give disaster victims online support. The Red Cross says it will allow them to respond to disasters quicker and more efficiently. 

"We do all of our interviews virtually. We're working by phone with emergency management and fire departments," said Linda Medford, a Red Cross disaster program specialist. She says the idea came after having to adapt to virtual methods during the pandemic realizing computers were often quicker to get people some help.

"We can get on the phone with a client and get in touch with them quicker in a safe place, so we can collect that information and get their case open," Medford added. 

The program will allow volunteers to fill prescriptions and give mental support also virtually. There's also the option to give money to victims electronically. Muskogee County Emergency Manager Jeff Smith says it should get people to help faster even in the rural areas. 

"In the past, it’s taking probably an hour or two sometimes to get volunteers from the Red Cross here to help people who been affected by those disasters. This will give us another avenue to get people who are faster," Smith explained. 

Medford says the Red Cross will still go out to sites in person. The push now is to get a lot more volunteers. "A lot of time that’s the first contact people have with the Red Cross. If we can recruit more volunteers for that will just make things so much better."

To volunteer for the Red Cross, CLICK HERE