Introduction
The public health systems have a critical role in community preparedness towards response and recovery from emergencies and threats. Coordination and collaboration between local and global emergence response stakeholders create capability-based frameworks that save people’s lives and promote safety. Organizations such as the American Red Cross are popular for their integral role in public health emergency preparedness and response capabilities in the US and other parts of the world.
Explain how the organization’s mission and vision enable it to contribute to public health and safety improvements
The American Red Cross (ARC) has fundamental principles, vision, and mission that enhance public health safety and standards. The organization’s mission and vision statements are geared towards improving the quality of life, offering safety services, and health promotion during a crisis (American Red Cross 2020). The mission focuses on creating networks and mobilizing volunteers who provide the capacity for the organization to alleviate human suffering during emergencies. ARC’s vision is to promote care, safety, and comfort to families and communities affected by disaster through their trained individuals. The organization’s effectiveness towards public health safety is achieved through the integration of its values, and business practices.
Include examples of ways a local and/or global initiative supports organizational mission and vision and promotes public health and safety
The International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) is a global initiative that supports the ARC’s vision and mission through its humanitarian protection and assistance towards the victims of war and armed violence. The global initiative focuses on health, life protection, and upholding of human dignity during emergencies such as armed conflicts (American Red Cross 2020). The initiative is present in every country and has millions of volunteers whose role is to promote people’s safety through the development of humanitarian action.
Evaluate an organization’s ability to promote equal opportunity and improve the quality of life in the community
Guided by its core principles of impartiality, humanity, unity, voluntary service, neutrality, universality, and independence, ARC has remained fair in its delivery of public health services to all. The organization voluntarily offers emergency care and humanitarian work without discrimination in its national and international capacity (Kent State University 2020). The organization is committed to relieving individuals’ suffering by prioritizing the most urgent and distressful cases. ARC values diversity, equity, and inclusion to its workforce, partners, and suppliers.
Consider the effects of social, cultural, economic, and physical barriers
Though ARC extends its services to all parts of the world, challenges such as violence, war, and geography hinder the aid personnel from accessing the needy. Lack of mapping of the marginalized communities is a concern when trying to locate areas affected by crisis (American Red Cross Report 2018). Lack of a ‘culture’ of community preparedness is a barrier commonly faced by ARC. The organization needs to sponsor a culture of preparedness among the members of the local communities. ARC requires emergency and trauma care systems which demands partnerships from NGOs and volunteers. Management of mass casualties requires human capacity and finances which if not available affect ARC’s performance.
Assess the impact of funding sources, policy, and legislation on the organization’s provision of services
The sources of funds facilitate the ARC to deliver care and comfort to millions of individuals in need across different parts of the world. The funding sources including individuals, companies, and universities help keep ARC afloat. The organization’s legislation and policy provide guidelines on the best way to achieve ARC’s fundamental goals. The ethical rules and policies of the organization prevent the organization from compromising its reputation for neutrality and achieving its overall objective (Kent State University 2020). The policy ensures that all the stakeholders in the organization work for the best interests of the people. ARC’s legislation prepares the organization to prevent and respond to future disasters and promotes people’s welfare.
Consider the potential implications of funding decisions, policy, and legislation for individuals, families, and aggregates within the community
The funds donated to the ARC have a trickledown effect on individuals, families, and communities affected by disasters. The funds donated to the organizations help build a national and international capacity that alleviates human suffering through emergency response to the affected societies. The funding decisions made by different organizations promote universality in the delivery of services to all families and communities in need (Kent State University 2020). It is through strict adherence to policy and legislation, that ARC maintains its autonomy and achieves diversification in the promotion of safety and health to individuals and communities. The ethical principles and standards ensure that ARC is focused on its response to the disaster-prone areas to protect the safety of exposed individuals and families.
Explain how an organization’s work impacts the health and/or safety needs of a local community
Through its educational and service efforts, ARC has remained pivotal in the promotion of health and safety in the American community. The organization works in collaboration with the local physicians to help with the distribution and direction of relief and medical work (American Red Cross Report 2018). ARC provides supplies, facilities, and other services such as first aid, nutrition, home nursing, water safety, and accident prevention. The organization provides training to the local community on disaster preparedness to build capacity and resilience. The ARC improves public health by providing a pool of experienced health professionals who provide support to the local health systems to prepare and respond to the disasters affecting the community’s health safety.
Consider how nurses might become involved with the organization
ARC depends on more than 40,000 nurses who are either paid or working in volunteer capacities. Some of these nurses work as blood drive workers and health and safety educators (Cross & Crescent, 2021). Others are involved in research and leadership of the organization as members of the ARC committee or board while others serve as task force specialists. All these positions assumed by the nurses have a significant effect on ARC’s impact towards health safety improvement.
Conclusion
ARC is a local/global non-profit organization whose aim is to promote public health preparedness and safety in communities. The organization’s values and standards provide equal opportunities to individuals and families facing disasters. ARC’s policy and legislation framework play a crucial role in ensuring that the organization remains focused on its vision and mission. Nurses are among health care professionals who have a pivotal position in the organization’s delivery of public health safety to communities.
References
American Red Cross (2020). Mission and Vision. Web.
American Red Cross Report (2018).Disaster Response. Web.
Cross, R., & Crescent, R. (2021). Nursing Matters Past and Present: A Call to Action, American Red Cross. Web.
Kent State University (2020). The Red Cross and Health Policy. Web.