Local Red Cross continues its work to prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies
St. Louis, Wednesday, January 24, 2007 - The American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter received its charter in January, 1917 and is celebrating 90 years of dedicated service to the metropolitan area. Since the Chapter was founded, St. Louisans have turned to the local Red Cross in times of urgent need. The Red Cross is woven into the tapestry of St. Louis history, providing disaster assistance while saving countless lives through health and safety training.
Over the years, the Red Cross has added new programs and services, adapted to new realities and incorporated new technologies to strengthen its ability to meet age-old needs. Just as important, St. Louisans have entrusted the Red Cross with their support, relying on the organization and its volunteers to help neighbors prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.
"It is our privilege to serve the St. Louis metropolitan area through a humanitarian organization like the Red Cross, " said Joseph C. White, Chief Executive Officer of the St. Louis Area Chapter. "This is a significant year in the history of our Chapter. While much has changed throughout the last 90 years of service to this great community, one thing remains constant - volunteers are the heart of who we are, what we do and what we stand for. I am amazed and inspired by the powerful imprint that Red Cross volunteers have left, and continue to leave, on all those who depend on their service."
About Local Red Cross Programs and Services:
The American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter, a United Way
agency, touched the community more than 410,000 times in 2006 through diverse programs and services. The following includes a summary of local programs and services, along with the number of lives touched last year through community outreach:
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Armed Forces Emergency Services (AFES) provides emergency communications, financial assistance and personal counseling for military personnel whose duty prevents them from being with their families. Over 6,300 service members and families were assisted in 2006.
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More than 1,700 blood drives were staffed by Red Cross volunteers in 2006.
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Community Disaster Education consists of a series of programs designed to teach individuals, families, groups and corporations how to prepare for and respond to a disaster, such as a fire, tornado or earthquake. Over 72,000 St. Louisans participated in these programs in 2006.
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Disaster relief includes local, national and international 24-hour response services, financial assistance and other emergency needs that arise following a disaster. In 2006, more than 18,400 meals and snacks were served to those in need. In addition, over 1,100 local families lost their homes to fire and received Red Cross assistance such as emergency food, clothing and shelter. Finally, more than 600 schools, churches and community centers were designated as potential Red Cross shelters during times of disaster.
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Health and Safety products include Automated External Defibrillators, emergency supply kits, first aid kits, breathing barriers and safety instructional guides. These products are available to the public.
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Health and Safety training in CPR, First Aid, Automated External Defibrillators, and aquatics safety are offered throughout the metropolitan area. More than 85,600 St. Louisans were trained in CPR and First Aid in 2006, while more than 42,500 received instruction through water safety curriculum such as Learn-to-Swim and lifeguard certification.
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HIV/AIDS education is designed to raise awareness of the deadly disease while promoting prevention methods throughout the community. In 2006, over 27,700 community members participated in this training.
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International Humanitarian Law presentations are delivered through a partnership with Washington University law students to educate teenagers about the Geneva Conventions and the importance of humanitarian values. More than 3,700 people were educated in 2006.
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International outreach includes tracing and messaging services for the families of those impacted by war and disasters, support for Holocaust victims' families and international humanitarian relief. In 2006, 32 international traces were initiated locally to reconnect families separated by war or armed conflict.
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Lifeline is an emergency notification service for the elderly and those who live alone. Nearly 1,400 Red Cross subscribers gain peace of mind through this system.
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YouthCorps is a peer-to-peer educational program designed to teach young people lifesaving techniques while instilling the importance of community service, volunteerism and leadership. In 2006, more than 150 teens were trained in emergency preparedness and leadership development. In turn, these youth educated over 3,800 of their peers.
"The American Red Cross is not a government agency, therefore we count on the generosity of St. Louisans to help our neighbors in their time of need," said White.
"We greatly appreciate and fully depend on the continued support of local volunteers, donors, corporate partners, other agencies and municipalities."
For More Information:
To learn more about the 90th anniversary of the St. Louis Area Chapter, Red Cross volunteer opportunities, or Red Cross programs and services available throughout the metropolitan area, please call the American Red Cross at 314.516.2800 or log on to www.redcrossstl.org.
About the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter:
Founded in 1917, the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter celebrates 90 years of dedicated service, providing emergency relief and preparedness training more than 410,000 times each year. The Red Cross is not a government agency and depends on the efforts of thousands of volunteers and donors to provide a wide range of community support services, including disaster relief, first aid and CPR training, water safety, services to military personnel and support for blood services. The Chapter, a United Way agency, provides programs and services to St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County and Jefferson County in Missouri, as well as Monroe, St. Clair (including Scott Air Force Base) and part of Madison County in Illinois. All disaster relief services are provided free of charge thanks to the generosity of the American people. To learn more about Red Cross programs, volunteer opportunities, and how you can help, contact the St. Louis Area Chapter at 314.516.2800 or www.redcrossstl.org.
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