March is American Red Cross Month

By Sheila Harley,  Public Information Officer,  American Red Cross Islands Chapter

Since 1918, the American Red Cross has been active in the San Juan Islands.  We are capable of setting up disaster shelters responding to fires, accidents, drownings, ferry accidents, cold spells, providing counsel to clients, as well as a place for Red Cross clients to stay when evacuated due to a house fire or other disaster. We worked closely with Public Health officials in responding to the flu epidemic a few years ago.

There are over thirty volunteer members from all walks of life here on the islands.

In San Juan County the Red Cross has disaster relief strategies and volunteers on Orcas, Lopez Islands, and on San Juan Island. Our preparedness in the islands is part of a wider support system in Northwest Washington.

In order to provide disaster relief locally, our American Red Cross unit benefits from cooperative arrangements providing the use of  Mullis Community Senior Center, Friday Harbor Presbyterian Church, St David’s Episcopal Church and Friday Harbor Fire Station #30. Plans are in process for including the fairgrounds, school gymnasiums and locations at Roche Harbor. Using such facilities, we are able to provide shelter, food, counseling and health services.

Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross in Washington, D.C. in 1881. While visiting Europe following the Civil War she was inspired by the Swiss International Red Cross Movement and worked to form the beginnings of our modern American Red Cross.

Prior to the First World War, the Red Cross introduced its first aid, water safety, and public health nursing programs. With the outbreak of war, the organization experienced phenomenal growth. There were about 20 million adults and 11 million junior Red Cross members. Today about 1.2 million trained, dedicated volunteers are ready to respond to disasters.

The Second World War and each war thereafter have called upon the organization to provide extensive services to the military, preparing packages for American and allied prisoners of war, shipping hundreds of thousand tons of supplies overseas. American Red Cross initiated a national blood program during WW ll. It also provided for the armed forces and their families. Red Cross works in fields of civil defense, CPR/AED training, HIV/AIDS education, and the provision of emotional care and support.

While closely associated with the federal government in the promotion of its objectives, the Red Cross is an independent, volunteer-led organization, financially supported by voluntary public contributions and cost-reimbursement charges. To donate please contact Arlin Rothauge or Bill Severson PO Box 1992, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. All donations are tax deductible.

Guests and new volunteers are most welcome at our local meetings held on the second Wednesday of the month from 6 till 7 p.m. at the Friday Harbor Fire Station. Come and see what you can do with us for your community.