DUBOIS – During Red Cross Month, the American Red Cross recognizes the nation’s Everyday Heroes who give of themselves and in some way help their community.
“March is a time to think of those individuals who help all of us here in Elk, Jefferson, Clearfield and Cameron counties by giving their time to help their neighbors,” said Jason Bange, executive director of the local Red Cross. “We want to thank our heroes during Red Cross Month – our volunteers, blood donors, class takers and financial supporters who help us assist those in need.”
March was first proclaimed as Red Cross Month, 70 years ago by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Since 1943, every president, including President Barack Obama, has designated March as Red Cross Month. The American Red Cross is synonymous with helping people, and has been doing so for more than 130 years.
The Red Cross responds to nearly 70,000 disasters a year in this country, providing shelter, food, emotional support and other necessities to those affected. It provides 24-hour support to members of the military, veterans and their families – in war zones, military hospitals and on military installations around the world; collects and distributes about 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply and trains more than seven million people in first aid, water safety and other life-saving skills every year.
Here in Jefferson, Elk, Clearfield and Cameron counties, the PA Heartland Chapter responds to approximately 50 local emergencies, provides more than 20 services to military families and trains more than 5,000 people in lifesaving skills on a yearly basis.
“Red Cross Month is a great time for people to become part of the Red Cross and there are many different ways to do it,” Bange said. “They can develop a preparedness plan for their household, become a Red Cross volunteer, give blood, or take a Red Cross class, just to name a few.”
The Red Cross is not a government agency and relies on donations of time, money and blood to do its work. An average of 91 cents of every dollar given to the Red Cross is invested in helping people in need.
The PA Heartland Chapter has planned the following activities during Red Cross month:
- Emergency Response Vehicle training on Saturday, March 2 at 10 a.m. The training event will take place at the Red Cross St. Marys Office located at 808 S. Michael St. in St. Marys. Three of the region’s four Emergency Response Vehicles will be utilized for the training, which will be open to all Red Cross volunteers throughout the Western Pennsylvania Region.
The following preparedness, health and safety courses will be held at the local Red Cross office, located at 109 N. Brady St., Suite 2 in Dubois.
- Adult First Aid/CPR/AED course; Saturday, March 9; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; $90.
- Adult CPR/AED course; Saturday, March 9; 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; $70.
