By Yzeppa Macias, American Red Cross of Colorado Public Affairs
Nicole Galindo began her internship with the American Red Cross of Colorado in September 2020, after spending 20 years in the U.S. Air Force. “It really is a community partnership,” Galindo said of the programs she worked with through the Red Cross.
Galindo began her internship through the Graduate School of Social Work at the University of Denver where she will complete her master’s in social work in November 2021. The mental health concentration at DU focuses on advanced theory, clinical interventions and research related to mental health, substance use and trauma
Originally from Plainview Texas, Galindo retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2018 in Colorado. She has a certification in animal assisted social work and plans to work with her therapy dogs in assisting emotional and social awareness and learning, as well as crisis response.
“There’s a lot of amazing volunteers that put their heart and soul into this program,” she said of the Red Cross, “being a social worker, giving back to the community and reaching some of those at risk vulnerable populations, all that is very significant and very important work to me and that is something that the Red Cross does with a mostly all volunteer workforce and so it’s a very unique experience.”
Over the fall months of 2021 Galindo worked with the Red Cross’ Home Fire Campaign, a program where volunteers work with local fire departments. “The Home Fire Campaign saves lives by providing fire safety education, helping families create escape plans and installing free smoke alarms. This critical work is made possible with our local partners to make households safer in at risk communities to include low-income, elderly and those with language barriers,” Galindo said.
Once graduated Galindo plans to continue volunteering with the Red Cross and expanding her role to include Services to the Armed Forces (SAF) and disaster mental health care.
“I always kind of knew that I wanted to help people, especially those who have been disenfranchised or marginalized, you know, those kind of like at-risk communities.” Thanks to Red Cross, “there are multiple avenues to ensure that those at risk communities can have their homes and their areas made safer.”
Two weeks after graduating high school Galindo went into basic training, “one thing that it provided for me was an opportunity to travel, opportunity to receive education, opportunity to work with amazing people within the United States and globally,” she said of her time served, “and then just the opportunity to stand up for what I feel is right for our country and what I feel.”
After losing her mother to COVID last year, Galindo said “it doesn’t get easier, but it’s definitely more, not necessarily manageable, but the memories are turning happier, I guess I could say.”
As a veteran and social worker, Galindo is passionate about serving those in need and giving back to her community, “There are continued efforts to address stigma in Veterans and encourage treatment for substance abuse, mental health disorders and other challenges. As a Veteran who is currently accessing grief and loss services, I understand the effort is to help Veterans take charge of their treatment and live a full and meaningful life.”
Veterans can call (1-800-273-8255, then select 1), text (838255) or start a confidential chat Suicide Prevention Chat: 24/7 Confidential Help – Veterans Crisis Line. There is also a line for Veterans with hearing loss (1-800-799-4889).
Mental Health Home (va.gov) U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) resources webpage.
For more information about the Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces program, visit our website.
Keep up the great work! We are so proud of you!