Today, April 7, is World Health Day, a day on which the World Health Organization (WHO) draws attention to a specific health topic of concern to people all over the world. This annual celebration marks the anniversary of the founding of WHO on April 7, 1948.
Climate Change = Chronic Disasters
The American Red Cross finds this year’s theme particularly important: “Our Planet, Our Health”.
At the American Red Cross, we have seen that across the country and around the world, families are suffering from the effects of heavier rainfall, higher temperatures, stronger hurricanes, and more devastating wildfires. As these extreme weather events continue to escalate, they disproportionately impact vulnerable communities and increase demand for our services – something we have seen increase exponentially in just the past decade.
Our seven Fundamental Principles — humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality — are at the very root of our mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering, and these principles call on the Red Cross to address climate change and the severe impact it has on our communities.
Highlights of the Red Cross Climate Change Statement include:
- Adapting our mission delivery and building our operational capacity to address the evolving realities of climate change.
- Making proactive investments in resilience and preparedness to mitigate the impact of climate-related disasters, especially on vulnerable populations.
- Expanding our disaster response and recovery support as these devastating events become more frequent and more severe.
- Doing our part to alleviate the worst impacts of climate change, both by making our own operations more sustainable by reducing our carbon footprint and advocating for more responsible practices in service across our mission, our partners, and suppliers.
Disaster and Health
Health Services
Disaster Health Services Responders provide disaster health care by meeting the disaster related health needs of clients and providing support to other volunteers. Some of the services the Red Cross provides is helping people with medical or disability needs or providing emotional and spiritual support during these challenging times. This includes replacing prescription medications, eyeglasses or other medical equipment.
Mental Health Services
Even when the immediate danger has passed, the impact can still be felt. People may feel grief or anger over the damage or loss, fear or hopelessness when thinking about rebuilding their lives, or they may simply feel overwhelmed and not know how to begin. Taking those first steps toward recovery can be easier with a little support.
Red Cross Disaster Mental Health volunteers provide that support. These compassionate professionals volunteer their considerable skills and training to respond when disaster strikes. Whether fostering a positive culture in disaster shelters, being a patient listener for someone who needs to talk about what they’ve gone through, or even spotting early signs of traumatic stress that can be referred for specialist care, Disaster Mental Health volunteers help create conditions where people, families and communities can rebuild after devastating events.
