Mayor Jim Fleck declares March as Red Cross Month
(Photo provided) American Red Cross AmeriCorps member Jan Labas, left, stands with Columbia City Mayor Jim Fleck, at right. Mayor Fleck has declared March as Red Cross Month in Columbia City, advocating disaster preparedness.
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Mayor Jim Fleck signed a proclamation stating March is Red Cross Month and challenged residents to prepare for disasters. This March the American Red Cross of Northeast Indiana is urging residents of Whitley County to take three simple actions to be “Red Cross Ready for disasters and other emergencies: 1) Get a kit, 2) Make a plan and 3) Be informed.
“Taking these basic preparedness actions can better prepare you for a variety of disasters from a power outage to a tornado,” said Red Cross Executive Director Kay Ostrum. “During Red Cross Month we honor the volunteers, donors and supporters who help make northeast Indiana a safer place to live, work and play. We invite everyone to join us in our mission by getting better prepared.
In the past year, the American Red Cross of Northeast Indiana assisted over 45,000 clients – including 550 victims of disaster – with valuable services. In addition to disaster preparedness, the Red Cross serves Whitley County residents through health and safety classes, communications support for military families, and the collection and distribution of lifesaving blood.
In 2007, more than 18,000 people in our area enrolled in American Red Cross Health and Safety Courses including CPR training, water safety and babysitters training. Over the last year, nearly 400 local military families were served by the Red Cross with communications and verification support. In the past year, the Red Cross collected and distributed more than 118,000 units of red cells and 15,500 platelet pheresis products to over 60 hospitals in the area.
To learn more about services and volunteer opportunities, contact the American Red Cross of Northeast Indiana at (260) 484-9336 or 1-800-513-2599. If you are at least 17 years-old, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and are in good general health, you may be eligible to donate blood. To schedule a blood donation appointment, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (800-448-3543).