Red Cross Programs

Disaster Relief and Community Disaster Education

When a disaster threatens or strikes, the Henderson County Chapter of the American Red Cross is there. This year we responded to 37 local disasters, including 34 home fires. We provided emergency food, shelter and supplies to 97 affected individuals, including 30 children.  During the April 2007 storm-related power outages, we opened and operated the Henderson County emergency shelter in partnership with the Department of Social Services, Department of Public Health and Salvation Army.  That shelter provided meals and other essential services including sleeping space and hot showers.

Our 107 trained disaster response volunteers (DSHR) were prepared for the 2007 hurricane season and 23 of them did deploy to various disaster scenes across the United States..

Because being prepared can make your family and community safer and sometimes minimize injury and destruction, we also made numerous disaster education presentations in the community.

Health and Safety Services

From first aid, CPR and AED training to swimming and lifeguarding to “Babysitting Training”, American Red Cross programs help people lead safer and healthier lives.  Programs and materials are developed in collaboration with leading medical authorities.  This year, 3,494 individuals learned lifesaving skills through classes offered by the Henderson County Chapter.

Armed Forces Emergency Services (AFES)

The American Red Cross provides humanitarian services to U.S. Armed Forces members and their families.  Through our worldwide communications network, we ensure emergency communications to keep families in touch when a loved one is ill or a child is born.  We also provide emergency support services to those military members and their families. This year we provided emergency services for 52 military families right here in Henderson County.

Blood Services

Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood.  Thanks to generous blood donors and supportive drive sponsors, the American Red Cross collects and distributes nearly half the nation’s blood supply.  Over the past year, our Chapter offered over 100 blood drives, collecting 5,153 units of blood.  Did you realize that 100% of the blood used in our regional hospitals is collected, processed and distributed by the Red Cross?  Thank you donors and sponsors for helping us meet the medical blood needs of our community’s hospitals!

Community Services

Low-cost blood screenings using the same lab (LabCorp) that the hospitals use, free blood pressure checks and emergency information “Vials of Life” are some of the Chapter’s community service programs.  We provided health services and screenings to 973 people this year.

Volunteer Involvement

The Red Cross is made up of volunteers of all ages and backgrounds. Volunteers constitute about 97 percent of our total workforce, serving as instructors, disaster response team members, blood drive helpers, office & administrative workers, event organizers, board members and much more.  Get in touch.…we have an opportunity for you!

This year, approximately 100 active volunteers made the work of the chapter possible, contributing over 5,500 hours, for a contribution estimated at over $55,000.