Community Health 17

Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic around the world. As some countries have begun loosening public health restrictions, others have experienced a surge in cases. No matter what the context, we’re committed to ensuring that the most vulnerable are protected during this global crisis. Here are just some of the ways we’re doing that.

When the muddy water from nearby rivers spilled into Fort McMurray in late April, some made its way into the Red Cross Health Equipment Loan Program (HELP) depot there. At its height, the freezing floodwater stood more than a metre deep in the building.

A former Syrian refugee in Canada is fighting COVID-19 the best way he knows how - with an ancient family soap recipe. Abdulfatah Sabouni of Calgary’s Aleppo Savon is donating 25 per cent of the proceeds of his new neem-oil soap to the Red Cross’ Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Global Appeal fund.

When the pandemic hit, Phyllis felt ready and prepared with a plan. As one of the main caregivers of her 87-year old father Peter, Phyllis rallied her siblings to ensure that their father was looked after, with plans for grocery and special deliveries even when the rest of family had to stay home. The family make a genuine effort to connect with Peter, and each other more often virtually than they typically did in person.
 

Sandra Christie of Halifax has been a Canadian Red Cross volunteer for four years, drawing on her background as a registered nurse to lead a Safety and Wellbeing team that has been providing virtual support by phone to people feeling isolated, anxious or needing unique help addressing issues relating to COVID-19.

Things changed for Peter when he - like all British Columbians - was required to self-isolate due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Being completely alone at home for an extended period of time, with no clear sense of when the restrictions would be lifted, made a real impact on Peter’s health, both physical and mental.

The COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t stopped Avel Juatco from going into people’s homes to set them up with wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds or lifts. It just means that the Health Equipment Loan Program technician has to wear personal protective gear like masks and gloves to ensure her own safety and that of her clients in Metro Vancouver, B.C.

Canadian Red Cross volunteer Erin Ellis explains why we don't always need to know what to say when someone is struggling with their mental health, and what you can do to still help.