The Central Louisiana Red Cross welcomed 20 students from Louisiana College’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science and Nursing Program to their office at 425 Bolton Avenue for a Red Cross Disaster Service Overview, with emphasis placed primarily on the role of nurses during disasters.

The four-hour course instructed by Red Cross CEO Leann Murphy covered the history of the organization, its mission, fundamental principles, scales and levels of disasters, how the organization manages disaster efforts, along with covering the history, management of an emergency shelter, and the services of Red Cross nurses.

Today, Red Cross volunteer nurses provide direct services for staff health activities like health fairs, and they provide service in military clinics and hospital as a part of a Disaster Action Team.  Volunteer nurses also teach, develop courses, acts in management and supervisory positions and serves in support functions for the Red Cross.

Louisiana College Nursing Instructor Kathy Baldridge arranged the courses with the Red Cross for her Public Health Nursing class.  Baldridge is one of three Louisiana College faculty members who are leadership volunteers with the Central Louisiana Red Cross;  Dr. Kimberly Sharp, Dean of Louisiana College School of Nursing, and her husband Dr. David Sharp, International Coordinator and Professor of Nursing at Louisiana College serve as the Co-Chairs of Red Cross Disaster Medical Health Services and they are working with Baldridge to encourage nurses to learn from and partner with the Red Cross by exploring Red Cross Disaster Services and how disasters relate to the health of the general public.

"I think this presentation has definitely informed my students of potential roles and responsibilities of nurses during disasters,” said Baldridge.  “Prior to being exposed and taught by a former Red Cross professor myself, I had no clue. Just as I was exposed, they have been also and now they know what is expected and what opportunities are available to them.”

Before closing the workshop, Murphy asked if any of the students had volunteered with the Red Cross, their churches, schools, affiliated groups, or individually during a disaster?  Quite a few students raised their hands.  Allison Sutton of Forest Hill, La, who holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and is currently enrolled in LC’s accelerated nursing program, said she worked with hurricane evacuees during Katrina and Rita as a social worker.  “This public health course makes us aware of potential resources and roles held by nurses in the community,” said Sutton.  “I knew some of what the Red Cross does but I think they definitely explained the role of nurses and how that role is carried out during disasters.  The ultimate desire for my career in nursing is to go out and provide mission work, and I have learned that the Red Cross is an avenue to make that happen.”

Murphy believes that the leadership of the Sharps along with Baldridge’s commitment to introducing Public Health Nursing students to the Red Cross will help Central Louisiana be better prepared to respond to disasters.  “Health professionals are critically important in providing Red Cross services during disasters,” said Murphy.  “These nurses are learning how they serve in small and large disasters—from home fires to hurricane evacuations—so this program truly benefits all of Louisiana.”

To learn more about how you can become a part of the Red Cross and help prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies, call 318 442-6621, email volunteer@cenlaredcross.org, or log on to cenlaredcross.org.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross provides relief to victims of disasters at home and abroad, collects and distributes nearly half of the nation’s blood supply, teaches lifesaving skills, and supports military members and families. The American Red Cross, a charity and not a government agency, depends on voluntary contributions of time, money and blood to perform its humanitarian mission. Each year, the Central Louisiana Red Cross serves thousands of Central Louisianans through disaster response, life-saving training, and support for our Armed Services. You may make a donation or volunteer by calling 318 442-6621 or online at www.CenlaRedCross.org.