AMERICAN RED CROSS

The American Red Cross has three primary objectives: to improve the quality of human life; to enhance self-reliance and concern for others; and to help people avoid, prepare for and cope with emergencies.

The Red Cross is often the first agency called upon in an emergency. Staff and volunteers are ready 24-hours a day. During the past year the local Red Cross provided assistance to over 200 families that had survived disasters, many involving loss of property due to fires or floods. With an average of four persons per household, over 800 individuals were projected as having been assisted.

In addition, the American Red Cross provides service to military personnel in the event of an emergency. The total number of cases handled in this area for the past year was 260.

The American Red Cross is the only non-profit agency mandated by Congress to provide emergency and disaster aid. While the government requires the agency to provide the services, it does not provide state or federal funds. Much of the funding for the Red Cross comes from voluntary donations through individuals.

The agency offers services ranging from blood drives to courses in standard first aid, aquatic safety, and disaster training. Many courses can be conducted on the business site or at the Red Cross location. Last year the American Red Cross instructed 2,586 individuals in standard first aid and 3,203 individuals in aquatic safety and lifeguard courses.

The standard first aid course is the most widely conducted course. Paid and volunteer instructors teach the necessary skills to assist with accidents and sudden illness. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation rescue (CPR) breathing and ways of giving aid to a choking victim, as well as the assistance for other more common emergencies, are discussed.

For the coming year the American Red Cross plans to expand its health and safety services to offer courses to many faculties. Schools and universities are beginning to add courses.

The local chapter manager is Mary Burton. The director of health and safety is Shawnna Kohler. For more information call 335-9471.