March 12, 2009 Issue
March is Red Cross Month—Get Involved
"I request that during that month our people rededicate themselves to the splendid aims and activities of the Red Cross," said President Franklin D. Roosevelt, as he made the first Presidential Proclamation of March as Red Cross Month in 1943, as a part of an effort to raise funds for WWII services. In the 66 years since, each President has made a similar proclamation in the final days of February, ushering in a month of extra effort for the causes of the Red Cross.
This year, President Obama made his proclamation on February 27, saying, "The Red Cross has continued to serve those suffering from large- and small-scale disasters. The organization is best known for its work helping communities deal with major disasters such as hurricanes, floods and wildfires. These large-scale disasters represent a major part of the work of the American Red Cross. Just as important are the tens of thousands of small-scale disasters that occur every day in communities nationwide, and the volunteers who respond to them. These efforts include supporting our military and their families, collecting and distributing blood, helping the needy, delivering health and safety education, and providing aid abroad."
The Red Cross, which was founded in 1881 by Clara Barton, provides neutral, humanitarian services to those in need. The Watauga County chapter was formed in 1917.
The Watauga County Red Cross's Lynn Norwood said "Any time someone hears ‘The Red Cross,’ they get their own personal image of what that means. Some people think blood services; others think lifeguard or CPR training. The truth is that we do it all. Disaster relief, training, blood services, and armed forces aid—all of it falls under our scope. We stay busy no matter which area you’re looking at."
The organization provides almost half of the nation's blood supply; cares for victims of disasters by providing them with food, shelter and counseling; teaches courses on various lifesaving skills; and supports members of the military.
The Red Cross is a charitable organization, and not a government agency, therefore it relies on the continuing support of the American public to keep it going.
Red Cross Opportunities During the Month of March
The Red Cross offers various courses for the public to take to get themselves ready for potential emergencies.
Norwood said, “Medical emergencies don’t wait for us to be ready to enter your home. Being certified is your best tool to keeping you and your family safe.”
Preregistration and prepayment are required for each course.
For more information or to register, call 828-264-8226.
-March 12, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Community CPR and First Aid:
This class will cover Adult, Child and Infant CPR; Adult & Child AED; and First Aid. The course fee is $45 for CPR and First Aid, $35 for CPR only and $25 for First Aid only.
-March 13, 6:00 to 10:00 p.m., Pet First Aid:
This class is for students ages 9 and up. Participants will receive instruction on how to recognize symptoms and care for common ailments and emergencies; how to create a Pet First Aid Kit; and tips on maintaining their pet's health and well being. The course fee $20 for a dog only, $20 for a cat only or $30 for both.
-March 14, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Community CPR and First Aid:
This class will cover Adult, Child and Infant CPR; Adult & Child AED; and First Aid. The course fee is $45 for CPR and First Aid, $35 for CPR only and $25 for First Aid only.
-March 15, 2:00 to 6:00 p.m., Pet First Aid:
This class is for students ages 9 and up. Participants will receive instruction on how to recognize symptoms and care for common ailments and emergencies; how to create a Pet First Aid Kit; and tips on maintaining their pet's health and well being. The course fee $20 for a dog only, $20 for a cat only or $30 for both.
-March 18, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Community CPR and First Aid Refresher: Participants in this class must have had a CPR/First Aid certification within the last 18 months. This class will provide only a brief review followed by skills testing for CPR and First Aid. The course fee is $35 for both, $25 for CPR only and $15 for First Aid only.
Red Cross March Blood Drives
-March 13, 3:00 to 7:30 p.m., Cove Creek School
-March 21, 12:00 to 4:30 p.m., Earth Fare
-March 27, 7:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Watauga High School
For more information or to signup, call 828-264-8226.
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