NURS FPX 4060 Assessment 2 Community Resources

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Capella university

NURS-FPX 4060 Practicing in the Community to Improve Population Health

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Date

American Red Cross – A Community Resource

With services like blood donation, health and safety education, disaster assistance, and support for military families, the American Red Cross is a vital part of the community. It offers immediate assistance during emergencies, organizes blood drives, and educates the public on lifesaving skills such as CPR and first aid. Additionally, the Red Cross supports global disaster responses and reconnects families separated by crises. Through local chapters and online resources, the organization ensures communities are prepared for and can recover from various challenges, fostering resilience and well-being across the nation and beyond.

Mission and Vision of the American Red Cross

The mission of the American Red Cross is to avoid and lessen human suffering during emergencies by utilizing the strength of volunteers and the kindness of contributors. Its vision of being a world-class organization that delivers high-quality service to the American people and beyond allows it to contribute significantly to advancements in public health and safety(American Red Cross, 2023). These guiding principles focus the organization’s efforts on providing immediate and effective assistance during crises, promoting preparedness, and building resilient communities. By leveraging volunteers and donor support, the Red Cross can respond swiftly to emergencies, offer critical health and safety training, and maintain a reliable blood supply—all crucial elements in enhancing public health and safety.

The organization’s work is logically centered around these core values. For instance, its disaster relief programs ensure that communities receive immediate help, including food, shelter, and medical care, which mitigates the health impacts of disasters. The widespread training in CPR, first aid, and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) equip individuals with essential skills to handle health emergencies, potentially saving lives and reducing the burden on healthcare systems. Furthermore, the Red Cross’s support for military families through emergency communication and counseling services ensures these communities’ well-being, addressing their physical and mental health needs (American Red Cross, 2018).

NURS FPX 4060 Assessment 2 Community Resources

A specific example that highlights how a local initiative supports the organization’s mission and vision is the Home Fire Campaign. This initiative reduces the number of fire-related fatalities and injuries by giving away smoke alarms, teaching families about fire safety, and helping them create fire escape plans. The campaign directly enhances local public health and safety by empowering communities with knowledge and tools to prevent and respond to fires (American Red Cross, n.d.). Globally, the Measles and Rubella Initiative exemplifies the Red Cross’s commitment to alleviating suffering and improving health outcomes. Through mass vaccination campaigns and public health education, this initiative significantly reduces the incidence of 94% of global measles deaths, showcasing the organization’s role in promoting global health and safety (American Red Cross, 2018).

Role of the American Red Cross in Promoting Equal Opportunity and Improving Quality of Life

The American Red Cross exhibits a solid capacity to advance equity and improve community well-being by skillfully overcoming social, cultural, economic, and physical hurdles. Its initiatives are designed to foster inclusivity, with a diverse volunteer network ensuring representation from all segments of society. The organization offers accessible resources and services, including disaster preparedness training and health education, addressing social barriers by ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, can benefit (American Red Cross, 2023). Culturally sensitive practices, such as multilingual communication during disasters and respect for cultural norms, further promote equal access to assistance.

Economically, the Red Cross mitigates barriers by providing free or low-cost services and financial aid, ensuring that families and people going through financial difficulties can get the help they need without putting in more effort (Beigbeder, 2023). Moreover, its emphasis on accessibility ensures that individuals with disabilities can participate fully in its programs. These efforts enhance the organization’s reputation and trust within communities and lead to more resilient communities where all members can access resources to be ready for, handle, and recover from crises (Engelman et al., 2022). Overall, the Red Cross’s inclusive approach fulfills its mission and contributes to creating a more equitable and supportive environment for all.

Impact of Funding Sources, Policy, and Legislation

The financing sources, laws, and regulations that affect the American Red Cross significantly influence the services it provides and how well it can carry out its purpose. The organization is funded by donations from the general public, cost-recovery fees for certain services and occasional appropriations for specific programs. However, the impact of funding decisions extends beyond financial support. For instance, fluctuations in public donations or changes in government appropriations can affect the scope and scale of the Red Cross’s services. Additionally, contracting with federal and state government agencies for specific programs can bolster and constrain the organization’s resources and operations (American Red Cross, 2018).

The organization is mandated to fulfill provisions of the Geneva Conventions, protecting victims of conflict. This responsibility underscores the Red Cross’s role in international humanitarian efforts, affecting its allocation of resources and priorities. Legislation such as the National Response Framework coordinated by FEMA mandates the Red Cross’s role in domestic and international disaster relief (American Red Cross, 2018). This framework outlines the coordination of disaster response efforts among various agencies and organizations, including the Red Cross. Compliance with these regulations ensures effective coordination during emergencies and requires the organization to maintain readiness and capacity to respond to disasters of varying scales and complexities (American Red Cross, 2018).

Funding decisions, laws, and policies have significant effects on community residents. Changes in funding sources or reductions in government support may impact the availability and accessibility of Red Cross services in communities, potentially disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. Furthermore, adherence to international conventions and domestic mandates ensures that community members affected by conflicts or disasters receive necessary support and protection, contributing to communities’ overall resilience and well-being (American Red Cross, 2018).

Impact of the American Red Cross on the Health and Safety Needs of the Community

The American Red Cross’s (ARC) work significantly impacts the local communities’ requirements for health and safety by addressing various emergencies, providing vital services, and promoting preparedness. ARC’s disaster response efforts, including sheltering, feeding, and providing medical assistance during emergencies such as natural disasters or large-scale accidents, directly contribute to safeguarding the health and safety of community members. Furthermore, the company’s health and safety education initiatives, like its CPR, first aid, and disaster preparedness classes, enable people to react to crises in a way that may save lives and lessen the severity of injuries (Barton, 2022).

In a number of innovative and perceptive ways, nurses may significantly contribute to the American Red Cross’s mission and improve the organization’s influence on local communities.:

• Disaster Response Teams: Nurses can volunteer to be part of ARC’s disaster response teams, utilizing their medical expertise to provide immediate care to individuals affected by disasters. They can assist with triage, wound care, and other medical interventions in emergency shelters or mobile medical units deployed during disasters (Said & Chiang, 2020).

NURS FPX 4060 Assessment 2 Community Resources

• Health Education and Outreach: Nurses can lead health education and outreach initiatives in collaboration with the Red Cross, focusing on disaster preparedness, emergency first aid, and public health promotion. They can conduct workshops, seminars, and community events to raise awareness and educate community members about health and safety practices (Said & Chiang, 2020).
• Blood Drives and Health Screenings: Nurses can volunteer at ARC’s blood drives and health screening events. They can help with donor recruitment, blood collection, and conducting health assessments. They can also provide education on blood donation benefits and encourage community members to participate in these lifesaving activities.
• Community Health Programs: Nurses can contribute their expertise to ARC’s community health programs to address health disparities and improve access to healthcare services in underserved communities. They can participate in health assessments, screenings, and health promotion activities tailored to the community’s needs (Pellegrino et al., 2020).

By actively engaging with the American Red Cross, nurses can leverage their skills, knowledge, and passion for healthcare to make a meaningful difference in the health and safety of their local communities. Their involvement enhances ARC’s capacity to respond to emergencies and strengthens community resilience and preparedness for future challenges.

Conclusion

In summary, the American Red Cross is a vital community resource that addresses various emergencies and promotes public health and safety. Its mission and vision guide its inclusive approach, ensuring equal access to lifesaving services. Funding sources, policy, and legislation significantly impact its operations, while partnerships with nurses and volunteers strengthen its impact on local communities. Together, the Red Cross and its partners strive to build healthier, safer, and more resilient communities worldwide.

References

American Red Cross. (n.d.). Take action to prevent home fires. Www.redcross.org. https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/prevent-home-fire.html 

American Red Cross. (2018). Measles & rubella initiative. Redcross.org. https://www.redcross.org/about-us/our-work/international-services/measles-and-rubella-initiative.html 

American Red Cross. (2018). Our federal charter. Redcross.org. https://www.redcross.org/about-us/who-we-are/history/federal-charter.html 

American Red Cross. (2018). Support military families. Redcross.org. https://www.redcross.org/about-us/our-work/military-families.html 

American Red Cross. (2023). Diversity, equity & inclusion. Www.redcross.org. https://www.redcross.org/about-us/who-we-are/dei.html 

American Red Cross. (2023). Mission & principles. Redcross.org; The American National Red Cross. https://www.redcross.org/about-us/who-we-are/mission-and-values.html 

Barton, C. (2022). The Red Cross in peace and war. In Google Books. DigiCat. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=c_pyEAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PT6&dq=american+red+cross+and+nurses&ots=tU77PMFL1N&sig=G6PGYn_T2ITT4nWiqpPYIjSqkJk 

NURS FPX 4060 Assessment 2 Community Resources

Beigbeder, Y. (2023). The role and status of international humanitarian volunteers and organizations: The right and duty to humanitarian assistance. In Google Books. BRILL. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=YMj7EAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PR3&dq=american+red+cross+low+cost+services&ots=1nwEdvTHWu&sig=4V9_2HIryIwqFobXbBLLngn98Mk 

Engelman, A., Guzzardo, M. T., Antolin Muñiz, M., Arenas, L., & Gomez, A. (2022). Assessing the emergency response role of community-based organizations (CBOs) serving people with disabilities and older adults in Puerto Rico post-hurricane maría and during the COVID-19 pandemic. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(4), 2156. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19042156 

Pellegrino, J. L., Charlton, N. P., Carlson, J. N., Flores, G. E., Goolsby, C. A., Hoover, A. V., Kule, A., Magid, D. J., Orkin, A. M., Singletary, E. M., Slater, T. M., & Swain, J. M. (2020). 2020 American Heart Association and American Red Cross focused update for first aid. Circulation, 142(17). https://doi.org/10.1161/cir.0000000000000900 

Said, N. B., & Chiang, V. C. L. (2020). The knowledge, skill competencies, and psychological preparedness of nurses for disasters: A systematic review. International Emergency Nursing, 48(1), 100806. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ienj.2019.100806