In the early hours of September 28, 2024, Susie and Charles Rutherford from Apple Valley, Minnesota, set out on an important mission. Driving a Red Cross emergency response vehicle, they left the Minneapolis Chapter building bound for Tallahassee, Florida, to support communities affected by Hurricane Helene.
Susie and Charles Rutherford began their journey to support Hurricane Helene relief efforts by driving a Red Cross emergency response vehicle from the Minneapolis Chapter building to Florida – September 28, 2024. (Photo – Carrie Carlson-Guest, American Red Cross)
This marked Susie and Charles’s first national deployment as Red Cross disaster volunteers. For their daughter, Lindsey Heald, a regional philanthropy officer for the Minnesota and Dakotas Region, it felt natural. “I’m so proud of them,” Lindsey shared. “Growing up, they taught me the meaning of compassion. Now, seeing them bring that same spirit to the Red Cross is incredible.”
For Susie and Charles, the chance to serve together was a gift. “What better way to serve others than side by side with my husband?” Susie said. Both felt a mix of excitement and a reassuring sense of readiness. “The Red Cross prepared us so well,” Susie explained. “Even if we didn’t have every answer, there was always a supervisor on call to guide us. Flexibility was key; we had to embrace the ‘Semper Gumby’ (always flexible) spirit because roles change constantly in disaster zones.”
Over 19 days, the Rutherford’s witnessed both devastation and resilience as they navigated towns transformed by the storm. “Thousands of trees were down, and buildings were damaged or destroyed,” Susie recalled, painting a powerful picture of the scene. Amidst the destruction, there was an unbroken rhythm of recovery—state workers clearing roads, power trucks restoring electricity, and community members coming together.
Susie and Charles Rutherford pictured outside the emergency response vehicle they drove to Florida for Hurricane Helene and Milton relief efforts. (Photo submitted.)
Their role was to deliver hundreds of hot meals daily to shelters, community centers, and other gathering spots for those affected. For the Rutherford’s, the appreciation they saw in the people they served was unforgettable. “The heartfelt gratitude in their eyes will always stay with us,” Susie reflected.
Example of damage caused by Hurricane Helene is a neighborhood the Rutherford’s drove through. (Photo submitted.)
The community’s gratitude was evident at every turn. “People would honk and give us a thumbs-up when they saw the Red Cross logo on our vehicle,” Susie smiled. “Even police officers stopped to thank us as we refueled.”
Line up of cars coming to the shelter where the Rutherford’s were serving food near Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo submitted.)
The hurricane response gave Lindsey a meaningful opportunity to contribute. “I was grateful to step up and support my colleagues in Asheville, North Carolina, for my first virtual deployment!” she shared. “This experience has left me with an extra soft spot for my Red Cross friends in the Carolinas.” Lindsey adds, “I’ve chosen to focus my career here at the Red Cross because I love this work. With my parents now volunteering, it has brought our family closer, strengthening our dedication to helping others through the Red Cross mission.”
The Rutherford’s journey left them with a deep sense of pride and fulfillment. “Helping people in their hardest moments is an honor,” Susie said. “If you’re thinking about volunteering, there’s a place for you here.”
Susie and Charles Rutherford pictured with their children at their surprise 50th wedding anniversary celebration, June 2024. (Pictured left to right – Charles, Susie, Lindsey, Briana, and Charlie – photo submitted.)
Join the Red Cross and make a difference. Sign up at redcross.org/givetime or donate at redcross.org or by texting HURRICANES to 90999.
“Because I feel passionate about mission of the Red Cross, I took two weeks’ vacation from my regular full-time job to deploy to Macon, Georgia, to help with hurricane relief efforts, and I would do it again in a heartbeat,”said Red Cross volunteer Cara from Yankton, South Dakota.
Cara recently returned home from Georgia and quickly chose to extend her service for another week virtually. She said during this assignment her primary responsibility involved working in the office, but she did have the chance to work in the field for a day doing damage assessment.
Cara (pictured left) with Red Crossers Cortney and Jamar. Cara and Cortney had worked together on other disaster relief operations, but only virtually. This was the first time they had the opportunity to work together in person. (Photo submitted)
“Although most of my time was behind the scenes, I was doing a job that I love,” explained Cara. “The people you meet and bonds you make through these shared experiences are the things that make it so easy to say ‘yes’ when I get a call, especially when work and family commitments fall in line and I was able to get away for two weeks.”
At the end of each workday, her team reviewed daily achievements and the forthcoming day’s priorities. “I was energized and amazed by the stories from the field,” Cara said. “The impact of the Red Cross’s work – whether it was the number of meals served or people sheltered was astonishing. Fellow volunteers shared about being recognized with their Red Cross vests on – and how it gave people hope that we were there to help.”
Cara (pictured left) pictured with fellow volunteer Dee Dee Larson from our Minnesota and Dakotas Region. (Photo submitted)
A heartbreaking memory of her deployment was the day she conducted damage assessment in the field. Witnessing the aftermath of the hurricane was an emotional reminder of the importance and relevance of the work the Red Cross does.
One of the unforgettable encounters Cara had was with a man whose home was severely damaged – living without electricity and a fallen tree in his living area. When the storm hit, he woke up from sleeping and went outside to get his dog, but found the dog had passed away after a tree had fallen on his doghouse. “If he had made it outside in time to get his dog, they both would have been sleeping in the room where the tree fell through the house,” Cara sadly recalls. “I will never forget that experience.”
Cara’s biggest takeaway from this experience was the understanding that every role, whether front-line or behind the scenes, contributes toward a unified goal. “There are lots of moving pieces in a disaster relief operation, pieces that frequently change but all have a way of coming together. And that, to me, is the meaning of One Red Cross!”
In the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, countless families were torn apart. Amidst the chaos, the Red Cross reunification teams worked tirelessly to bring hope and connection back to those affected. This vital work continues as the Red Cross remains committed to reuniting loved ones and restoring communication disrupted by these devastating storms. While this service may not receive as much attention as other disaster relief efforts, it has handled over 11,500 inquiries, helping to mend the broken lines of communication.
Alex Wincell, a dedicated Red Cross volunteer from the Minnesota and Dakotas Region, was virtually deployed to the reunification team. “I knew I couldn’t go in person due to some obligations at home, but I wanted to help,” Alex shared. She was quickly assigned to the task just days after the chaos ensued, when the situation was still highly uncertain.
Red Cross volunteer Alex Wincell, pictured in 2020, helping with a local fire response in Minneapolis. Photo by Lynette Nyman – American Red Cross.
This was Alex’s first experience with reunification work. “I was able to use my case work background which was extremely useful. If you like puzzles, this would be a good role for you because its creative problem solving. It’s fascinating and very meaningful when all the pieces come together.”
Among her many contributions, Alex recalls a particularly touching case where she assisted an 83-year-old woman in locating her long-time friend and colleague, an 86-year-old resident from Asheville, North Carolina. The two had been in contact shortly before the storm, but Alex only had the friend’s phone number, not an address.
Reuniting friends can be more challenging than family members, as families often have networks to aid in making contact. Despite this, after ten days of diligent effort, Alex was able to reach the woman’s daughter, who confirmed that her mother had weathered the storms and was safe.
In another case, Alex was tasked with finding an elderly person living in a remote area cut off by blocked roads and out-of-service landlines. Using tools like property records and Google, she managed to contact the woman’s neighbor. They agreed to bring their cell phone to her house so that Alex could speak with her directly.
In this reunion, there was so much gratification, and I know how much both parties appreciated our efforts,” Alex reported.
“Even through the phone, I could tell it made the person who was found happy to know that someone was looking for her.”
Reflecting on her virtual deployment, Alex noted that while she prefers working in person, “this type of work makes sense to do virtually since it all begins with the seeker who can be from anywhere in the country or the world. It still gave me a lot of client contact and it was a very rewarding experience.”
This story is just one example of how the Red Cross is committed to alleviating human suffering in the face of emergencies. If you are inspired by Alex’s story and want to make a difference, consider volunteering or donating to the Red Cross today. To apply to become a Red Cross volunteer visit redcross.org/givetime, to donate visit redcross.org or text the word HURRICANES to 90999.
“Everything was good until Beryl came,” says Delta Alexander, a lifelong resident of Union Island in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
“Everything was good until Beryl came,” says Delta Alexander, who was born and raised on Union Island in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. She is grateful for the care and support that the local Red Cross provided following Hurricane Beryl. Photo: Lynette Nyman/IFRC
She’s thankful for the care and support the local Red Cross provided after Hurricane.
Beryl. Delta left Union Island in 1969, always planning to return, and in 2015, after retiring from a nursing career in Canada and the U.S., she came back to rebuild her life.
For the next three years, she built a home and continued her humanitarian work in this tight-knit community. The hurricane hasn’t slowed her down.
“The people I’m grieving for are those in shelters. They have no money, nowhere to go. They lost everything, houses, clothing, even underwear,” she says.
Her house, situated on low land near the shore, was quickly surrounded by high water during the category 5 storm that struck parts of the Caribbean on July 1. The winds, too, were a threat. For four hours, she held back a door, dislocating her shoulder. At 78, her strength and generosity are inspiring.
“I saw death right there. How am I going to escape?” she recalls asking herself during the storm.
The trauma connected her with St. Vincent and the Grenadines Red Cross (SVGRC) volunteers who responded to help people on multiple islands and the mainland.
Early in the emergency, Red Cross volunteers set up relief operations at a church on Union Island, distributing non-food items as well as a space for people to share their experiences – it was much-needed and appreciated emotional support.
“Red Cross was wonderful. People were very nice. So soothing. Helpful and encouraging,” says Delta.
Small society, many hazards
The SVG Red Cross is a young national society that gained its independence from the British Red Cross in 1984. Today, the SVGRC is comprised of a nearly 100 percent volunteer workforce, including key leaders like Shaneika Laidlow who manages their disaster and mental health programs. Their aim, she says, is to help people get back to normalcy.
“We offer assistance to those who most need it, to the best of our ability,” says Shaneika Laidlow, who manages disaster and mental health programs for the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Red Cross. Photo: Lynette Nyman/IFRC
“During these times people can get very frustrated. Does the Red Cross care for them?” says Shaneika, who is based in the nation’s capital on the mainland, St. Vincent. The answer is yes.
“There are so many people we would love to make better, but there are some things we’re unable to do at this time because of restraints. We offer assistance to those who most need it to the best of our ability,” she says.
The scope of the work, and the potential need, is challenging. This small nation and Red Cross society faces multiple hazards, including tropical storms, flooding, hurricanes, and even an active volcano.
In early October, monitoring showed unusual thermal activity of the La Soufriere volcano – activating the government to issue a low-level warning and close the trail to the summit.
La Soufriere, shrouded in clouds, is an explosive volcano that most recently erupted in 2021. It’s one of several hazards facing the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Red Cross. Photo: Lynette Nyman/IFRC
The thermal anomaly stopped, but reminded many of past explosive eruptions like the most recent in 2021 when, on April 9, the dome inside the crater blew and for days spewed devastating volcanic ash across communities.
“It was like the sun was out, but not there. It was all dark,” remembers Edwin Joe, who lived in the countryside distant from the ‘red zone’. He remembers ash covering everything. “Just white everywhere, like bright snow with no sun. We didn’t know what was going to happen.”
Edwin Joe evacuated the St. Vincent, the mainland, for two weeks following the eruption of the volcano La Soufriere in 2021 and returned to find houses that had roofs collapsed from the volcanic ash. Photo: Lynette Nyman/IFRC
Edwin evacuated the mainland for two weeks and returned to find some houses that had roofs collapsed from the volcanic ash. Many people stayed in shelters for several months.
The Red Cross formed part of the response with the government and other emergency partners, providing water, relief items and temporary housing assistance.
Help around the corner
The good news is that during challenging times a small Red Cross society like the SVGRC can turn to other national societies for help, primarily through the International Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC).
Raziel Uranga, a Mexican Red Cross responder with decades of disaster response experience deployed through the IFRC ‘surge’ program to serve as response operations support in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. His predecessor, he says, arrived just a few days after the hurricane, helping the SVGRC manage a large disaster response.
Photo 4 – Small Red Cross societies “need support from the global Red Cross network in order to grow as fast as they can, especially with the multiple hazards they’re facing,” says Raziel Uranga from the Mexican Red Cross, now deployed to support the SVG Red Cross provide relief for people affected by Hurricane Beryl. Photo: Lynette Nyman/IFRC
“Red Cross is the best humanitarian movement in the world, I am convinced, because no other organization has the workforce that we have,” says Raziel, whose passion lies in reducing risks amid the rising frequency of severe disasters.
Responders and donors from around the world – and in their own communities – have provided relief for people affected by Hurricane Beryl.
It’s uplifting for many to see this unified effort. And yet, when something big happens, a small national Red Cross society like the SVGRC needs help to do its best now and beyond.
“They need support from the global Red Cross network in order to grow as fast as they can, especially with the multiple hazards they’re facing,” says Raziel.
These hazards can destroy homes and livelihoods. Building back both is the focus on Mayreau, an islet just a short boat ride from Union. Wheelbarrow by wheelbarrow, people are removing rubble to restore the island’s sole income, tourism.
“We have to clean up this island to get tourism back – to get people back from Martinique – to see the turtles,” says Patrick Forde, a water-taxi driver before the storm.
“We have to clean up this island to get tourism back – to get people back from Martinique – to see the turtles,” says Patrick Forde, a water-taxi driver before the storm devastated Mayreau, an islet in the Grenadines. Photo: Lynette Nyman/IFRC
Patrick rode out the hurricane in a small cupboard with his two children. “I’m lucky to be alive,” he says when looking back.
Tiny but mighty, what he loves about his island is the way people unite. “Whenever there’s a disaster, we all show up and work together.”
Learn more about the work of Red Cross societies around the world, like SVGRC, through the IFRC, click here.
Red Cross volunteer Mark Capaldini from the Twin Cities Chapter of the Minnesota and Dakotas Region recently returned from a 10-day deployment to North and South Carolina. He helped in food operations, driving an emergency response vehicle (ERV) to deliver meals to the communities affected by the wrath of Hurricane Helene. Mark also helped in the distribution of emergency relief supplies in these communities. This was his third such national deployment.
Mark Capaldini, pictured at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport as he starts a 10-day deployment to North and South Carolina for Hurricane Helene disaster relief. (Photo submitted)
For the first six days Mark worked with an ERV driving partner, Jeff Wick from Texas. On one of those days Mark and Jeff travelled into a severely impacted community to distribute food and teamed up with two more Red Cross volunteers to package and distribute hot meals.
Mark Capaldini pictured helping with meal distribution with fellow Red Cross volunteers Tim Perry, Greg Purkey, and Jeff Wick in a small South Carolina town — Ware Shoals on 10/11/2024. (Photo submitted)
“We were thanked almost daily for being there and helping out,” Mark humbly expressed. “Frequently, these expressions of gratitude, often paired with a ‘bless you,’ originated from receivers of our food and clean-up kits. We were even thanked by passersby at local gas stations and fast-food locations.”
Mark’s assignment then shifted to delivering emergency relief supplies to some of the communities hardest hit.
Witnessing the aftermath in Boone, North Carolina, a town in the Blue Ridge Mountains that experienced immense damage from rains, flooding, winds, and a tornado, was a glaring reality check. Mark explained that “furniture and supplies were strewn and stacked outside homes, painting a grim picture of the devastation.”
View of a Boone, North Carolina, neighborhood devastated by the aftermath of Hurricane Heleneprovided a somber illustration of the disaster’s magnitude. (Photo submitted)
He further noted the widespread impact on the landscape. “The water that rushed down from the mountains carved out huge chunks of the countryside and sometimes completely washed the roads out, requiring us to travel on temporary gravel paths. This is an enormous effort that will take years to get the roads and infrastructure repaired.”
View of a Boone, North Carolina, neighborhood devastated by the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Temporary gravel paths replaced washed out roads. (Photo submitted)
When asked about his chance to get some well-deserved rest following the deployment, Mark agreed, emphasizing the comfort he anticipated upon returning to his own bed.
“It worked out for me to go and help,” Mark said. “My experience reiterated the critical role the Red Cross plays in these relief operations in responding to natural disasters.”
Mark Capaldini is a board member of the American Red Cross Twin Cities Chapter of the Minnesota and Dakotas Region.
Red Cross volunteers in South Dakota honor the tradition of providing care and comfort for injured service members
“It’s just such a wonderful feeling – it’s my privilege to help out,” says Judy Button, a Red Cross volunteer at the Military Treatment Facility (MTF) on Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City.
A retired operating room nurse and wife of an Air Force retiree, Judy jumped at the chance to help after learning about the need for volunteers at the MTF. Judy serves as pharmacy assistant.
Red Cross volunteer Judy Button serves as a pharmacy assistant at Ellsworth AFB in Rapid City, South Dakota. Photo submitted.
“I do whatever it takes to make the pharmacist’s job easier – from unpacking boxes and stocking medications to removing outdated medications – I try to free them up, so our veterans and active-duty service members don’t have to wait long for their prescriptions,” she says.
Judy’s skills and medical knowledge learned from working in an operating room carry over to the work she does in the pharmacy. “It was nothing new to me – I asked a lot of questions, but they didn’t have to do a lot of teaching.”
The American Red Cross has a long history of helping members of the military community – from its start with its founder Clara Barton and her work during the Civil War.
“From the time a service member takes their oath to navigating life as a veteran and every step in between, we’re there to help with the challenges of military service,” says Richard Felix, a regional SAF program manager for the Red Cross in South Dakota.
Lesser known is the work done at military hospitals and care facilities across the country and around the world. Our work at the Ellsworth MTF honors this long-standing tradition.
The Minnesota and Dakotas Red Cross Region currently has six hospital volunteers at the Ellsworth MTF, several serving since the start in 2017. They support a variety of departments, including pharmacy, lab, and insurance. The partnership between the Red Cross and the 28th Medical Group at Ellsworth has been great, says Felix.
“Being able to support various departments within the MTF, and ultimately serving our military community, is special. Volunteers at the MTF are unsung heroes who dedicating their time and knowledge.”
Cheryl Lemley serves as a healthcare office assistant. “I’ve got a lot of institutional knowledge,” chuckles Cheryl. No stranger to military life, Cheryl was born in Germany where her father was stationed. She grew up as an “Army brat” and is a Navy veteran herself.
She’s a newer Red Cross volunteer, starting her service in June 2023. Cheryl spends about 8 – 12 hours a month working at the Ellsworth MTF.
“It’s one of my biggest joys in life to help military members, veterans, and their families navigate the complexities of Tricare and hopefully get better outcomes on their claims.”
She enjoys being a part of the Red Cross. “The Red Cross is there to help, just like I’m helping the military community – letting them know that their sacrifices haven’t gone unnoticed and trying to make things a little easier – it’s just an awesome feeling to lessen the burden for them.”
Efforts are also underway to establish a MTF volunteer program at the Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota. Once approved we’ll start recruiting volunteers.
Click here to learn more about our work supporting military members, their families and veterans. To become an SAF volunteer, click here.
Blood donation has become personal for the Malinski family of Mankato, Minnesota. Their daughter Melody came into the world in late December 2020, with a congenital heart defect called hypoplastic left heart syndrome. At just five days old Melody faced open heart surgery, and then again had another open heart surgery when she was five months old. During both surgeries, Melody needed 8 units of lifesaving blood, and it’s likely she will need more for her next scheduled open heart surgery in 2025.
Newborn Melody, February 2021, at Children’s Minneapolis still recovering in their cardiac ICU. Picture submitted by Kelli Malinski.
“We are so grateful blood was there when Melody needed it,” says Melody’s mom, Kelli Malinski, who also needed two transfusions after experiencing blood loss during labor.
Melody is almost four years old and is getting ready to attend preschool. “She’s our world,” said her dad, Sam Malinksi. “She’s a really special kid,” Kelli Malinski adds. “You can’t see her scars, but we know what she’s been through at such a young age. Right now, she a happy, normal toddler, who loves to swim and play just like other kids her age.”
Kelli credits blood with saving her and her daughter’s life and gives back regularly – recently receiving a one-gallon blood donation pin. “I’m passionate about blood donation and it’s important to me to give back – giving blood is such a small thing you can do that has a truly amazing impact.”
Kelli Malinski donating blood at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Up Your Sleeve Blood Drive in Mankato, Minnesota, September 3, 2024. The blood drive collected 137 lifesaving blood donations.
She also encourages, and hopes, others will give too. “It’s a great way to help others in need and a wonderful way to give back to your community. You’ll be happy you did it – Melody and I are living proof that blood helps save lives.”
The Malinski’s (Kelli, Melody and Sam – pictured left to right) stopped by the Rock ‘n’ Roll Up Your Sleeve Blood Drive on September 3 to thank blood donors.
September is National Preparedness Month. A strong blood supply is key to preparedness for disasters and medical emergencies, and donors are needed to help ensure blood is on the shelves the moment it’s needed.
Roll up your sleeve, your small act of giving might be a lifeline for someone like Kelli or Melody. Schedule your donation now.
From the sportscasting booth to the fight of his life, Jack Colwell’s journey is a testament to resilience, adjusting the game plan, and taking each day play-by-play.
“It’s been quite a ride I must say,” says Colwell, blood recipient and liver transplant survivor.
Jack Colwell recently celebrated his birthday and credits blood with helping save his life. Photo submitted.
As a radio sportscaster, Colwell – also known as Action Jack, has announced play-by-play calls for countless sports games, but never thought his own life’s playbook would include a cancer diagnosis.
Colwell had abdominal pain for three years before he received the news that he had end stage bile duct cancer.
“I just felt something wasn’t right – my liver was deteriorating, and I found out I needed a liver transplant.”
Colwell’s name was immediately put on the transplant list, and he started radiation and chemotherapy treatments. On December 23, 2023, Colwell got the call that a liver was available. “I was in surgery from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Christmas Eve morning,” says Colwell. “I needed quite a bit of blood – what a gift that was!”
Thankful to blood donors for ensuring blood was available when he needed it, Colwell says “If you can do it, certainly do it! Someone is always in need.”
Jack Colwell, who announces games as Action Jack, pictured outside the Red Cross bloodmobile at a blood drive his employer KWNG/KCUE in Red Wing, Minnesota recently hosted.
Post transplant, Colwell is grateful he is still here to have the chance work, be a husband, to see his daughters get married, and hopefully to enjoy being a grandparent alongside his wife. “Cherish life and live every day to the max,” he says. “I’m living proof that blood helps save lives. It’s a big reason I’m still here.”
A round of applause for Colwell who reminds us that in the great game of life, someone is always in need. Let’s answer the call!
Be a hero for patients like Jack. Appointments can be scheduled by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). To help reduce wait times, donors are encouraged to make appointments and complete the RapidPass online health history questionnaire at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass
Photo Illustration by Jason Colston/American Red Cross
Introducing the Integrated Care Condolence Team (ICCT) for the American Red Cross Minnesota and Dakotas Region, a collective that embodies the organization’s mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering in emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.
Tonya Peterson, the Regional Recovery Manager, leads the ICCT for the region. This dedicated team supports families who have lost loved ones due to disasters. Reflecting on her experience, Tonya shares, “It is rewarding when we can help families going through challenging situations. These are some extremely difficult and stressful times.”
Approximately 70 volunteers are trained to perform the specialty services integrated care condolence provides. These volunteers have met qualifications to serve in health services, mental health services, spiritual care services, or casework and undergo further training to participate in the ICCT. When an ICCT is needed, volunteers from each of these services are requested by the coordinator. Each team consists of individuals from the four service lines, and efforts are made to involve local volunteers from the disaster area so that families can meet some of the team members in person.
Disaster Health Services includes licensed health professionals such as nurses, MDs and DOs, PAs, EMTs, and paramedics. Disaster Mental Health encompasses licensed mental health professionals like counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers. Recovery caseworkers have extensive experience and provide resources and guide clients through the recovery process.
To break things down further: the Disaster Health Services team is composed of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, EMTs, medical doctors, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners. The Disaster Mental Health team includes licensed mental health professionals, school psychologists, counselors, and retired professionals. The Disaster Spiritual Care team comprises board-certified/professional chaplains and local faith leaders. Experienced caseworkers help families navigate recovery while coping with the death of a loved one. Volunteers trained in their respective lines of service also receive additional training to handle these sensitive cases.
Highlighting a team member, Bruce Norgaard, an ICCT team member and spiritual care provider, explains his role:
“I am both the Regional Spiritual Care Team lead for the Minnesota and Dakotas Region and the North Central Division Advisor for Spiritual Care. I respond with the ICCT team both regionally and during national disaster responses. One memorable local response was for a family fire where one parent died, and the other was hospitalized. The fire, caused by one of the children involved with meth, also damaged four adjacent units. Providing comfort for the surviving parent as they began their recovery and connecting them with their local faith community was both fulfilling and satisfying.”
On a national level, Bruce recounts, “One memorable interaction was with our team consisting of a mental health care provider and myself. We worked with a survivor who had isolated themselves in their room for days, not even coming out for meals. As a team, we convinced them to come out, get a meal, and receive healthcare for wounds suffered while their spouse was pulled through a window during a tornado. The survivor then opened up to our mental health counselor, who discovered a faith background. This allowed me, as a spiritual care provider, to help them work through issues of self-blame and lack of self-worth. We prayed using their faith traditions, and the ensuing hugs and clinging grasps provided comfort for both of us.”
Katie Gilmore, a volunteer, serves as the regional ICCT coordinator. Her role involves reaching out to volunteers with specific specialties to create teams that assist families. For instance, if a fire occurs in northern Minnesota, she recruits volunteers from that area; if it happens in western North Dakota, she seeks volunteers there. Katie also organizes virtual team meetings to discuss needs and coordinate efforts. Tonya attends these meetings when available. During these discussions, the team identifies which services are necessary for each family. Additionally, the meetings determine support in cases with fatalities. Regional leads in the three specialty areas and casework areas support Katie in finding suitable volunteers.
Tonya and Katie are notified when a disaster-related fatality occurs. They gather information, such as whether the Red Cross responded to the scene. If not, they obtain the identity of the deceased and names of next of kin, generally through law enforcement. If the family wishes to receive Red Cross services, a member of the mental health services initially contacts them. This mental health person remains on the newly formed ICCT and provides an initial assessment to the other team members. If the Red Cross responded to the scene, all information is obtained by those on-site. Tonya and Katie are informed, and a new ICCT is formed.
Volunteering for this team requires more than professional training; compassion plays a large role. The compassion and care that Red Cross volunteers are known for is part of their mission to alleviate human suffering. For example, a client may be assigned a caseworker who provides community resources, financial assistance, and more. If a death occurred in the fire, a caseworker with ICCT training will be assigned to the team. All needed services, including health, mental health, and spiritual care, will be provided by the ICCT. If the death is confirmed to be disaster-related, the mental health or health service team member can provide fatality assistance of $1,000 for each person who perished in the disaster. Most local cases are closed in 30 days, but those involving a death may remain open much longer to meet the client’s needs.
Since January 1, 2024, there have been multiple fire cases in St. Paul, surpassing the total number of cases in 2023. One such case involved the loss of four children. The ICCT supported this family every step of the way. The volunteers were invited by the family to a gathering before one of the memorial services. At the family’s request, the Red Cross provided food and beverages for the gathering to support those in attendance.
The Integrated Care and Condolence Team leads with humility and dedication. We deeply appreciate each member of this special Red Cross team, who provides invaluable support to the communities they serve. Thank you to all ICCT team members!
Story by Lisa and Andrea, Minnesota and Dakotas Red Cross Region Volunteers
Waterville, Minnesota, a community impacted by recent flooding and still recovering, came together to donate blood on Monday. “We have a lot of helpful people in our small community,” said Barb, a former Red Cross volunteer and blood donor who helped organize blood drives for nearly 24 years.
Barb, former Red Cross volunteer, Waterville, MN, Aug. 12, 2024.
The blood drive filled up quickly and they had to add appointments to accommodate those who wanted to roll up a sleeve. In fact, the community surpassed the blood drive goal – reaching 110% of expected donations.
The drive was sponsored by the high school student Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) group in the Watertown, Elysian and Morristown school district. The group tries to host five blood drives a year, and this was the first drive in Waterville since the flooding in June. The next drive is already scheduled for November.
“We try and make it fun!” exclaimed Tricia, the group’s advisor. Sometimes they have special T-shirts made, special treats for donors, or themes to make it more interesting. “We try to get 16 year-olds to become first-time donors.”
Red Cross volunteers Jocelyn, Tricia and Megan, Waterville, MN, Aug. 12, 2024.
Donors included Megan, a high school senior and Red Cross volunteer, who is already a Certified Nursing Assistant and plans to pursue a career in healthcare. “I started donating because it gave me another way to help people that really need it,” she says. “When someone is nervous about donating I just remind them of how they could be saving someone’s life.” Megan and Jocelyn, a student lead for the blood drive, helped check-in donors.
We’re amazed that people affected by their own disaster have stayed committed to helping others through blood donation this summer as we are facing an emergency shortage. Thank you, Waterville and surrounding areas for giving back in such a meaningful way!
Megan, blood door and Red Cross volunteer, Waterville, MN, Aug. 12, 2024
You can help, too. Click here to make an appointment to give and help patients counting on lifesaving blood products being available.
American Red Cross Minnesota and Dakotas Region 