The American Red Cross was founded in 1881 by Clara Barton and is the United States premier emergency response organization. The American Red Cross is part of a worldwide organization which offers neutral humanitarian care to the victims of war.
The American Red Cross is not funded by the government. They rely on donations of time, money and blood to keep the organization running.
Over the years, the American Red Cross has expanded its services. These include:
Disaster Services – The Red Cross responds to approximately 70,000 disasters in the United States every year, ranging from home fires that affect a single family to hurricanes that affect tens of thousands, to earthquakes that impact millions. In these events, the Red Cross provides shelter, food, health and mental health services to help families and entire communities get back on their feet
Blood Services – In the United States around 4 million people give blood to the Red Cross, making this organization the largest supplier of blood and products in the country. The American Red Cross serves more than three thousand hospitals throughout the United States
Communications between Military Members and Families – the American Red Cross facilities communications between those serving in the Armed Forces in important events around the world and their family members back home.
Health and Safety Services – these include health and safety training in wide range of areas. From CPR and blood borne pathogens training to HIV/AID education. From swimming and life guarding to American Red Cross Preparedness programs which help people lead healthier and safer lives.
International Services – these include helping vulnerable people worldwide to prevent, prepare for and respond to:
Disasters, life-threatening health conditions, complex humanitarian emergencies
Volunteer Services – there are various opportunities to help the American Red Cross.
Youth Services – The Red Cross have been partners with the Junior Red Cross since it was founded in 1917.
Nursing – over 30 000 nurses are involved in paid and volunteer capacities at all levels and in all service areas throughout the American Red Cross.
Ventura County Chapter 836 Calle Plano, Camarillo, CA, 93012 (805) 987-1514 http://www.redcross.org
Learn about “twice as nice” volunteers Eleanor and Richard Guzik , who don’t just spend their time volunteering for the American Red Cross. In 2000, when Richard’s mother received hospice care from Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association, they were so taken with the level of compassion and love; they decided to become hospice volunteers themselves.
Volunteer Coordinator Maddy Hazard states, “When I thank them for all they do on top of their other commitments their response is always that being Livingston Hospice/Bereavement volunteers will always remain a priority because they feel it is just that important. Such commitment is at the heart of our wonderful volunteers and we are grateful beyond words.”
Learn more at http://www.lmvna.org/about/team-livingston/eleanor-richard-guzik.html
In Good Health,
Gloria Forgea, RN, MBA Director of Community and Professional Relations
Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association
