Thank you to all of our volunteers, donors and other supporters who make it possible for us to be ready to respond to Henderson County's disaster needs!

HEALTH SCREENS SAVE LIVES! Have you taken advantage of our low-cost blood screening labs and free blood-pressure checks?  Comprehensive Metabolic Panels, CBC's, CRP/HCRP's, Prostate Specific Antigen tests, CA125 and more.  Lab results in 3 days...and we can even fax your report directly to your physician.  Look for more information under "Community Services"! _________________________ Our local disaster teams have already responded to 22 local disasters since January 1st (as of 5/16/08), usually  arriving on the scene as the fire department was getting a housefire under control.  We're there to assist people at the time of some of their greatest needs.  At 3AM, when a neighbor is standing by the smoldering remains of their home; where can they go to wash the smoke from their face, not to mention sleep or sit and just begin to comprehend what has happened?  We're there to make sure they have shelter, clothing, food and personal needs like a toothbrush.  We help the victims develop a recovery plan and connect with other organizations that can provide post-disaster assistance. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit, humanitarian organization and receives no government funding.  Our Disaster Assistance Teams are made up of local volunteers and the assistance they provide is made possible by our local financial donors including individuals and the Henderson County United Way.  We truly are neighbors helping neighbors.  By the way, those 22 Henderson County disasters affected 53 of our neighbors, including 16 children! _________________________ Check out our current safety training classes, including First Aid, CPR, Wilderness First Aid, Babysitting training, and even Pet First Aid! See "Health & Safety > Class Schedules" or call 693-5605 for more information. _________________________ Last year, thanks to our Henderson County blood donors, 5,695 units of blood, (the "gift of life") were made available for patients in our local area....maybe for someone you love!  Blood demands are continuous and critical supplies are still low, so please continue to support the blood donation program.  If you've never given blood before, talk to us about becoming a donor.  Last year 826 "first time donors" gave in Henderson County: maybe you should too!  Please schedule an appointment to donate blood today.  (see blood drive schedules listed under "Blood Donation" page or call our office at 693-5605 for more information)

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE AMERICAN RED CROSS

It is the mission of the American Red Cross to provide relief to victims of disaster and help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.  Through over 800 locally supported chapters, more than 15 million people gain the skills they need to prepare for and respond to emergencies in their homes, communities and world.  Some 4 million people give blood - the gift of life - through the Red Cross, making it the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States.  The Red Cross helps thousands of U.S. service members separated from their families by military duty stay connected.

Though not a governmental agency, the American Red Cross is required by Congressional Charter to provide relief to victims of disaster and to provide emergency communications and assistance to members of the Armed Forces and their families. This is done while adhering to the International Committee of the Red Cross' seven fundamental principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.

Our local Chapter was originally chartered by the American Red Cross on August 16, 1917 to provide these services to our neighbors right here in Henderson County. We are proud of our regularly scheduled Health and Safety classes, Disaster preparedness and relief training, Disaster response work, Blood Donation opportunities, assistance to families/members of the Armed Forces, and our other community service programs (like our low-cost blood screening and blood pressure checks programs).  Please check the links on the left for more information.

Your financial support makes a difference!
The American Red Cross has been providing immediate relief for disaster related losses for over 125 years.  Our goal is to help individuals and families, all across our nation, who are struck by disaster to overcome their loss and make the transition to recovery.  Those losses may result from floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, fires and other disasters.  Sometimes entire towns have been destroyed or it may be the house next door.  Both situations make a difference to the individuals affected.  The Henderson County Chapter helps support the larger national disasters and is directly responsible for providing immediate relief for our local disaster situations.  Already this winter we have responded to ten fires that left families without a home.  When disasters strike, whether flooding, homefire, or storm, local residents can count on us to be there to provide immediate shelter, food, clothing and emergency assistance.

Red Cross services are provided at no cost to the recipients through the generous support of the public and the efficient operation of our programs; we do not receive government funding.  It is your financial gifts that make the critical work of the Red Cross possible!  Charity Navigator, America's premier independent charity evaluator, gives the American Red Cross their highest rating in recognition of our efforts to manage and grow finances in the most fiscally responsible way possible (please see "Charity Navigator" website on our "Links" page for their full report).  You also have my assurance, as the Executive Director of the Henderson County Chapter, that we will always operate in a manner that respects your donation intentions and maintains the integrity that you should expect.

Thank you for supporting your Chapter: the Henderson County Chapter of the American Red Cross!