Think back to how you felt when you learned of the events depicted in the following pictures:

The purpose of this project was to provide an American Red Cross training opportunity for Social Work students in disaster relief services. The NASW Code of Ethics (as cited in Schulman, 1999) states:
Social workers’ primary goal is to help people in need and to address social problems. Social workers elevate service to others above self-interest. Social workers draw on their knowledge, values, and skills to help people in need and to address social problems. Social workers are encouraged to volunteer some portion of their professional skills with no expectation of significant financial return (pro bono service). (p. 815)

Statement of Need

September 11, 2001, provided a dramatic impetus for the realization that in times of public crisis particularly those resulting from natural disaster or acts of terrorism, restoration of public well-being is a task that requires a varied response from a wide array of professionals and volunteers. The events of that day brought into focus, once again, that the United States of America is not impervious to massive, man-made disasters. It is imperative that social workers be ready to serve. The restoration process involves, but is not limited to basic needs such as temporary shelter and food, physical needs such as first-aid and long-term assistance, and mental health needs. Social workers have the knowledge and expertise to provide many of these necessary services. We felt that American Red Cross training would further enhance the capacity social workers have to facilitate and implement services. Social workers can be of service in the front lines, behind the scenes, for short term help, and for the duration of the need, whatever that may be.

Description of the Intervention

Initially, September 11, 2001, sparked our curiosity about the role social workers could take in assisting victims of disasters. Our first step was to conduct literature reviews to determine how different agencies function in the wake of these disasters. The American Red Cross was frequently mentioned in the literature we reviewed as a primary and secondary provider. In its primary role, the American Red Cross utilizes its network of trained volunteers to apply specific assistance to meet the needs of victims (American Red Cross, 2002). It is the American Red Cross’ secondary role that we were interested in: training. We sought to provide training in disaster services as Family Services Volunteers by combining the American Red Cross’ provision of training to assist victims with social workers’ desire to deliver the necessary services. 
After receiving agreement from the local chapter of the American Red Cross that they would provide this training, we then designed and distributed fliers to the School of Social Work junior, senior and master’s program classes. 

Evaluation of the Intervention

The training was on April 27, 2002. Sixteen social work students were trained in family services which “helps identify and meet immediate disaster-caused needs by providing emergency assistance” (American Red Cross, 2000, p. 5). Our role as American Red Cross volunteers will be “to support individuals and families in the recovery process by addressing their immediate disaster-caused needs” (American Red Cross, 2000, p. 6).
We hoped that the training would prove to be a practical adjunct to the education of social work students at California State University, Chico, and that they would perceive it as relevant information. We found that the values of the American Red Cross fit hand-in-hand with the training and Code of Ethics (as cited in Schulman, 1999) within the social work field. The participants received training in active listening, empathy, asking probing questions, assisting clients with resources and referrals, and making prompt and accurate decisions (American Red Cross, 2000).
Many participants approached us stating that they greatly appreciated this opportunity to expand their skills. Although the attendance may have been affected by the weather and possible conflicts with other community projects, the overall success of the training was not diminished.

Reflections on the Project

The knowledge and education we received from the American Red Cross training presented a direct link between the Social Work program at California State University, Chico and the values, policies and procedures of the American Red Cross. Those involved in the project have a deeper appreciation of the important role our profession can play with agencies, disciplines, and the general public. The training demonstrated practical implementations of our skills to help those in need. We were excited to take an idea and follow it through to implementation. We hope that this initial training intervention will become an annual event. It is our belief that in small cities such as Chico, social workers can play an elevated role in disaster relief services compared to our counterparts in larger cities where networks of federal, state, and local agencies have a physical presence. 

References

American Red Cross. (2000). Family services: Providing emergency assistance. Participant’s Workbook. (Issue No. ARC 3072-1A). 

American Red Cross. (2002). Disaster Services. Retrieved March 18, 2002 from http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster

Schulman, L. (1999). The skills of helping individuals, families, groups, and communities. Itasca, Il: F.E. Peacock Publishers, Inc.

Additional Readings
Sprang, G. (1999). Post-disaster stress following the Oklahoma City bombing. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 14 (2), 169-184. 

Tucker, P., Pfefferbaum, B. (1998). Oklahoma City: Disaster challenges for mental health and medical administrators. Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research, 25 (1), 93-100. 

Additional Resources
Departmental Director. American Red Cross. 

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