In a perfect world, no one would ever need the emergency services of the American Red Cross. Unfortunately, accidents and disasters happen each day and it’s comforting to know someone will be there to help.
Cheryl Bremer, chief executive officer for American Red Cross of West Michigan, says, “During people’s darkest hour, they will find the Red Cross is there for them.”
She adds that no one ever thinks they will be the one affected by an emergency, but she believes that “at some point in our lives, every person will be touched by the Red Cross.”
Considering the vast assortment of services they offer, she’s probably right.
The Red Cross is well known for their emergency response services and that accounts for 75 percent of the work they do. They also provide training, educational and transportation services, as well as act as a blood bank.
We typically don’t have large natural disasters here in Michigan, but we do have fires, floods and other emergencies. The Red Cross responds to every house fire and the first thing they do is remove the people involved from the scene -- whether that means giving them a place to rest temporarily inside a nearby vehicle, or by taking them to a local hotel where they can spend a few nights.
Each person is then handed a blanket, a comfort kit containing basic needs items and a stuffed animal.
“It’s amazing how even adults will cling to the stuffed animal,” Bremer says. “When you’re watching your house go up in smoke, you cling to anything.”
The Red Cross reassures its emergency response clients they will have a place to stay, food to eat and emotional support as they begin the first steps to recovery. Debit cards are often given to families to allow them to purchase food, clothing and whatever else they may need, with alcohol and tobacco being the exception.
“A typical disaster costs about $1,000 per family,” says Bremer.
Each year, the Red Cross responds to more than 70,000 disasters nationwide, with the majority of these being house fires. In the West Michigan region, which covers Barry, Ionia, Kent and Montcalm counties, more than 1,100 people affected by 375 disasters have been helped so far this year. The chapter responds on average to two emergencies each day.
With a track record like that, it’s hard to believe that most of the work is done by trained volunteers. The local Red Cross chapter operates with almost 600 active volunteers each week. With this many people involved, the cost to recruit, train and screen each of them makes up a large part of the operating budget.
In addition to disaster response assistance for clients, the Red Cross also aids emergency personnel by providing food, drinks and other needs. Last summer, during Rodrick Dantzler's murder spree, they were on hand to support the police officers on duty.
The Red Cross provides emergency communication services between military members and their families as well. When a soldier is killed in the line of duty, volunteers inform the survivors. They also relay information about births, injuries and more.
The Preparedness Health Safety Services (PHSS) area focuses on teaching individuals, schools and corporations classes in first aid, CPR, defibrillator use, babysitting, lifeguarding, good hygiene and disaster preparedness. So far in 2012, more than 16,000 people in West Michigan have benefitted from Red Cross training.
And despite having its regional office located next door to Michigan Blood, the Red Cross of West Michigan also holds its own blood drives with a storage facility located in Lansing.
A common misconception is that the American Red Cross receives government funding -- they do not. They rely on monetary contributions by individuals and organizations, yet they are still required by a government mandate to provide emergency services.
Each year, the Hometown Heroes Celebration acts as their signature fundraising event and it gives them a chance to honor individuals and groups who are making a difference in our community.
“We recognize ordinary people in the community doing extraordinary things,” Bremer says.
Anyone can nominate someone in various categories such as Humanitarian of the Year, Lifesaver Award, Spirit of Volunteerism Award and several more. Information can be found on the website describing each category. The deadline to vote is August 30.
The event takes place on April 25 and more information will be shared in the upcoming months. Guests can expect a fun evening of honoring people with food, wine, music and silent and live auctions, so be sure to mark it on your calendar.
Financial sponsorship opportunities are also available if you or your company is interested in showing your support to the Red Cross.
Whether you’re affected by an emergency such as a fire or a flood, require the need for blood or first aid, or have a loved one in the Armed Forces, chances are, you’ll benefit from the services of the American Red Cross at some time in your life. It’s good to know you can count on them, no matter what.
“Disasters and emergencies happen regardless of color, class or orientation,” says Bremer. “We are neutral and don’t discriminate against anyone.”
Let’s hope none of us need the emergency services of the Red Cross anytime soon, but here are some ways you can show your support now for when the need is there:
- Visit the
American Red Cross of West Michigan online to find out more.
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Volunteer. Volunteers are needed in any capacity, whether as emergency responders, office helpers, first aid trainers and more.
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Donate online or call 1-800-RED-CROSS. You can also text “Red Cross” to 90999 via your mobile phone to donate $10.
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Give blood. The next blood drive is on Wednesday, August 29 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. at the Grand Rapids Chapter Office, 1050 Fuller Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
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Take a class. Get trained in life-saving skills or become an educator and train others.
- Nominate a Hometown Hero by August 31, 2012. We all know someone who deserves to be honored so here’s our chance. The nomination packet can be found on the home page.
- Attend the Hometown Heroes event next April 25, 2013. Location and ticket pricing are to be determined, but mark the date on your calendar now.
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Shop for Red Cross products and first aid kits online.
- Read their
blog.
- Like them on
Facebook.
- Follow
@RedCrossGGR on Twitter.
Sources: Cheryl Bremer, Chief Executive Officer for American Red Cross of West Michigan, and Deanna Berkowitz, Regional Communications Officer
Writer: Heidi Stukkie, Do Good Editor
Photos provided by American Red Cross of West Michigan.