BIDDEFORD — More than 2,700 American Red Cross disaster relief workers have traveled to the southern part of the country to provide assistance to residents seeking refuge from Hurricane Matthew and severe flooding.

One of those volunteers was Ron Martel of Biddeford.

Martel deployed a few weeks ago. He started in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, then traveled to Tallahassee and Jacksonville, Florida, where he said in a phone interview Sunday that he expected to be doing relief work for another couple of weeks, moving to different locations if necessary.

“You really have to go where the need is,” he said.

Martel, 49, said shortly after the terrorists attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, he gave blood at a Red Cross blood drive. The blood was screened, and it was discovered that he had Hepatitis C.

He said because it was discovered at an early stage through a Red Cross screening, he was able to seek treatment before it became severe, and he wanted to give back by helping others through the Red Cross.

Martel, who works in security and also in retail sales at Home Depot, said it’s very gratifying to assist others in their time of need. On Sunday, he was overseeing three shelters. He said that in his team of 10 aid workers, there are people from six different states and three different countries.

“You meet people from all around the world,” he said. “It’s always a team effort.”

Red Cross disaster relief workers provide a variety of services, including first aid, mental health counseling, meals, temporary shelter and helping people transition back to their homes.

Martel said volunteers are all ages, and come from all walks of life.

“There’s always a spot for everyone,” he said.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.