Volunteers Make the Difference in our Communities

During disaster response, affected communities depend heavily on local and national volunteer organizations to provide trained volunteers and much-needed donated supplies. You can be a part of a volunteer organization and support preparedness efforts in your community and throughout the country.

5 Reasons to Consider Volunteering

• You make a difference; your unique life experience and knowledge may contribute in ways others may not 
• Volunteering encourages civic responsibility 
• Volunteering promotes personal growth and self-esteem through empowerment and continued education 
• Strengthens the bond in the community 
• It brings a diverse community together by working towards a common goal

Volunteer Organizations

American Red Cross - Southern Nevada Chapter

The American Red Cross of Nevada serves the entire state of Nevada, and you can count on us to be there to help you in times of need. As a member of the local, national and international network of the Red Cross Movement, the American Red Cross of Nevada is committed to providing relief to victims of disasters and helping people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.

The American Red Cross - Together, We Can Save a Life

Medical Reserve Corps - Southern Nevada Health District

MRC of Southern Nevada is a cadre of medical and non-medical volunteers who are pre-identified, credentialed, trained, background-checked and ready to be deployed in case of a disaster. Periodically, MRC volunteers are asked to participate in preparedness exercises and drills and are offered training. In a disaster, MRC volunteers help the Southern Nevada Health District limit the spread or impact of disease. Some emergency activities may include augmenting medical and non-medical staffing at the Health District or a health facility, at a Point of Dispensing of medication or vaccine, assisting with disease surveillance and notification, or organizing volunteer response at a staging area. Throughout the year, MRC volunteers serve at the Health District and in the community at first aid stations, health fairs and other outreach events. Medical personnel may volunteer for first aid roles and health metrics like blood pressure checks, and non-medical personnel volunteer for roles such as clerical, customer service and distributing preparedness and health information. Volunteers may be asked to participate in emergency preparedness exercises with the Health District or other agencies.

National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD)

National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) was founded over 50 years ago in response to the challenges many disaster organizations experienced following Hurricane Camille, a category 5 storm that hit the Gulf Coast in August, 1969. Up until that time, numerous governmental, private sector and nonprofit organizations served disaster survivors independently of one another. As a result, help came to the survivors haphazardly.