News Release
VICTORIA, BC – May 13, 2020 — The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) and the Canadian Red Cross have a long-standing partnership, expanding to include collaboration for the 'Ready When the Time Comes' program. Under this agreement, the FNHA will provide up to 30 employees when required as surge capacity to the Red Cross for disaster response in British Columbia, beginning in June 2020.
About the 'Ready When the Time Comes' Program
The 'Ready When the Time Comes' program enables the Red Cross to utilize valuable human resources from its partner organizations to create community-based volunteer teams, which can be mobilized during natural disasters, such as floods or wildfires. Through this partnership, organizations like the FNHA provide an opportunity for their employees to assist the Red Cross in case of a domestic emergency. FNHA permanent employees will have the opportunity to take a paid volunteer leave to support Red Cross operations in British Columbia. FNHA volunteers will:
• Receive approximately 12 hours of emergency response training from the Canadian Red Cross including psychological first aid training.
• Serve a minimum of seven (7) days in a disaster response deployment, in the role of Emergency Responder.
• Work six days per week for up to 12 hours per day during disaster response.
• Receive additional training to ensure services are delivered safely within the context of COVID-19.
Additional information about the Ready When the Time Comes program can be found at www.redcross.ca
QUOTE
“Our employees understand the needs of the BC First Nations communities we serve and the importance of community-based action. This is a great opportunity to apply this knowledge and contribute their skills and labour to communities throughout the province in their hour of greatest need," said Richard Jock, I/CEO FNHA.
“British Columbia has experienced disasters at an increasing frequency over the last few years. As we prepare for flood and wildfire season, the Red Cross is grateful to our colleagues at First Nations Health Authority for their commitment to the Ready When the Times Comes program, helping us respond quickly and effectively to support people and communities impacted by disasters."
- Pat Quealey, Vice-President, British Columbia and Yukon, Canadian Red Cross
CONTACTS
John Moody
FNHA Media Relations
Cell: 604-831-4898 E: John.Moody@fnha.ca
Jenn Houtby-Ferguson
Senior Manager, Communications & Stakeholder Relations
Canadian Red Cross, B.C. & Yukon
Cell: 604-340-7889 E: Jenn.Houtby@redcross.ca
Media Line: 1-604-709-6747
Download this news release in PDF format here.
