President Bush declares March American Red Cross Month

Thursday, March 6, 2008

In 1881 when Clara Barton established the American Red Cross and began providing comfort and hope to those in need, she could not have predicted that her legacy would travel on through generation after generation.

On Feb. 28, President George W. Bush proclaimed March American Red Cross Month. In a White House press release, Bush said that the American Red Cross is an example of what the United States stands for.

"The American Red Cross exemplifies the good heart of this nation by leading humanitarian efforts at home and around the world. This past year the American Red Cross provided food, comfort and medical assistance to the victims of the tragic bridge collapse in Minnesota, the devastating wildfires in California, and the tornadoes that affected by natural disasters and humanitarian emergencies," the statement said.

The local chapter of the Red Cross has been in operation for 90 years, according to Bourbon County Chapter of the American Red Cross Executive Director Whendi Martin. This past year, the local chapter has responded to 20 local disasters and financially assisted with more than $8,500 in order to help with disaster relief. In addition, the Bourbon County Chapter has trained more than 350 Bourbon County citizens in various health and safety courses, which include external defibrillators, water safety, CPR and first aid. Through the efforts of the local chapter, more than 600 units of blood were collected through the local blood drives, Martin said. Also, the local chapter has provided emergency assistance to approximately 20 service men and women. Martin explained that the Red Cross will relay important messages to a service man or woman who is stationed out of the country. Sometimes these emergency messages may contain information about a death in the family, Martin said.

About 1.2 million people nationally volunteer with the American Red Cross. The local chapter, Martin said, utilizes the help of approximately 60 volunteers, who help victims of disasters. In addition, these people set up and man shelters when necessary. According to Martin, out of the local volunteers, about 25 are trained to respond to national disasters.

In addition to assisting victims of disasters, Red Cross volunteers are also making attempts at saving lives before disaster strikes. The local chapter provides area residents with educational information, which will help them be prepared if a disaster occurs. Representatives of the local chapter will be present on March 16 and 17 at the Home and Garden Show at the Fort Scott Community College Arnold Arena, 2108 S. Horton, to pass out educational information, which will create public awareness and help to keep the public safe, Martin said.

According to written information provided by the American Red Cross, March was first designated as American Red Cross Awareness Month by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

"As the honorary chairman of the Red Cross, in 1943 President Roosevelt was the first president to declare March as Red Cross Month. Each year since 1943, the president of the United States proclaims March as Red Cross Month. Red Cross Month gives the Red Cross an opportunity to promote its services and celebrate its successes in serving communities across the country," the Red Cross said.

Martin said that the local chapter is always looking for more volunteers, and financial contributions are always needed in order for the local Red Cross to continue providing support to victims of disasters.

For more information about the local Red Cross chapter or to make a monetary donation, contact Martin at (620) 223-0980.