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 TWENTYNINE
PALMS, Calif. - The mission of the American Red Cross is to provide
care to those in need. The Red Cross is supported by people who
donate, volunteers, and employees who all share the same mission.
Although the Red Cross is not a government agency, it is an
essential part of responding to disasters. They work in partnership
with other agencies and organizations to provide services to
victims. They offer five key types of services to people in the
United States and around the world.
“We are here to
help people in any type of struggle,” said Michael Wolfe, station
manager, American Red Cross, Combat Center station. “We are a
program made up of donations and 97 percent of us are volunteers all
wanting to complete the same mission.”
Disaster Relief
According to
their website, the Red Cross supports approximately 70,000 disasters
in the United States. They respond to disasters ranging from home
fires that affect a single family to hurricanes that affect many
more people. When they respond to these types of things, they
provide shelter, food, health and mental health services to help the
community get back on their feet.
Supporting the Military
“Most family emergencies are
usually time critical,” said Capt. Shannon Mawson, company commander,
Company A, Headquarters Battalion. ”Swift and sensitive action on
emergency leave requests is essential.”
The Red Cross helps
service members and their families cope with the challenges of
serving in the military. Emergency communication is one thing
provided to service members by the Red Cross in case of an emergency
with the service member or their family.
“Emergency Leave
does not mandate a Red Cross Message,” Mawson said. “However, a Red
Cross Message provides verification of the emergency. Most Marines
are mature and responsible individuals whose emergency leave needs
can be considered on their merits.”
The Red Cross also
provides things like training, support to wounded warriors, veterans
and access to community resources. According to their website, these
resources help an average of 150,000 military families and veterans
annually.
Blood Saves Lives
The American Red Cross is the largest single supplier of blood
and blood products in the United States, according to their website.
Nearly four million people donate blood through the Red Cross,
helping to provide more than forty percent of America's blood
supply.
Health and Safety Training
The American Red Cross is also the leading provider of health
and safety courses. Some of the courses provided by them are
Cardiovascular Pulmonary Resuscitation, first aid and lifeguard
training. According to their website, more than nine million
Americans participate in their training programs each year. Some of
the people participating in these courses are first responders,
educators and babysitters.
International Services
According to their website, The American Red Cross is part of the
world's largest humanitarian network with 13 million volunteers in
187 different countries. They help respond to disasters, build safer
communities and educate future humanitarians all around the world.
The Red Cross reaches an average of more than 100 million people
across the globe.
“This program plays a
huge role in society,” Wolfe said. “These volunteers and donations
make a huge difference to our country and the world.”
To support the
American Red Cross ... you may donate, fund-raise, give blood, teach
a class, volunteer, help internationally or become an advocate.
By USMC Lance Cpl. Alejandro Bedoya
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2013
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