Whether in her professional life or as a long-time American Red Cross volunteer, Dr. Diane Levine’s approach can be described in one word: holistic.

A holistic life is characterized by the belief that the parts of something are interconnected and can be explained only by reference to the whole. Levine, a resident of Pearland, has used this approach in her more than four decades of volunteer service in Disaster Cycle Services, Disaster Spiritual Care, Disaster Action Teams and Service to the Armed Forces. At a time when interacting with clients who are experiencing the worst days of their lives, Dr. Levine says it is important to be an active listener.

“I believe strongly in open communication because It sets the tone for you to be able to help someone,” she said. “Many people are confused and they’re not certain how they’re going to restore their lives to what they consider normal function. When help them by listening, to figure out exactly what they need, what direction they need to go to, and make appropriate referrals.

“If we don’t do that, then they stay in that frame of mind being depressed, being sad and feeling as if people have forgotten them,” she said. “That is not healthy.”

Dr. Levine, who has retired after a career in holistic medicine and teaching, is stepping away from volunteer service after amassing 15,662  volunteers hours since 2009. She has responded to a wide variety of disasters, including hurricanes, wildfires, winter storms and floods. For her service with the Red Cross and a variety of community organizations, Dr. Levine has been recognized with numerous honors including three Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awards and two Clara Barton Awards.

Her holistic approach as a spiritual care responder goes beyond interactions with her clients. She is also an active listener when visiting with Red Cross staff and volunteers in the field.

“I go around from table to table to each of the people who are in the headquarters,” she said. “I let them know what my position is and that I am available if they wish to stop my talk or, if they wish, to talk to me privately.

“I do my best to communicate with everyone from the first you meet in staffing all the way through to the job director,” Dr. Levine said.

It all started 45 years ago when a friend suggested she volunteer her knowledge and skills to the Red Cross.  Since then, she says she has been guided by the Seven Principles of the International Committee of the Red Cross: Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality.

“My mind goes directly to the principles,” she said. “I see how quickly for we could for every single person who we touch that we communicate with them to see how we can make them comfortable.”

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information about volunteering or contributing to the Red Cross’s mission, please call 1-800-RED-CROSS, visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on X (formerly known as Twitter) at @RedCross.

Story By: David Guth