Armed Forces Emergency Services
Twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year, the American Red Cross is there for military members and their families, delivering emergency messages. The Valdosta Chapter helps local families keep in touch and provides timely, accurate and verified information following the death or serious illness of a family member, the birth of a child or other critical family matters. All it takes is the military personnel or family member calling the Valdosta Chapter to begin the process.
Blood Banking and Research
Today the Red Cross stands as an innovator and leader in
transfusion medicine and blood banking research. We are
committed to meeting the American people’s constant need
for blood and blood products. We collected 6.1 million units
of blood last year.
Disaster Response
Whether the disaster is a tornado, flood, hazardous chemical spill or a single-family fire, the Valdosta Chapter is prepared to provide immediate assistance to families affected by the disaster. This assistance may include vouchers for immediate shelter and food, temporary housing, groceries, clothing, basic household items and vital medication. In addition to basic assistance, the Valdosta Chapter may replace necessary items lost in a disaster such as eye glasses or related necessities. Clients' needs are determined on a case-by-case basis.
Disaster Preparedness Education
The Valdosta Chapter teaches Disaster Planning to area groups and organizations and the Red Cross "Master of Disaster" program is taught in city and county elementary schools. These programs cover developing family disaster plans, assembling disaster supply kits and evacuation planning.
Health, Safety Education and Community Services
The American Red Cross is committed to keeping people safe at home and at work. The Valdosta Chapter teaches CPR, first aid, Automated External Defibrillator, life uarding, babysitting training and HIV/AIDS prevention. About 75 Valdosta companies teach Red Cross life-saving courses to 2000 people yearly.
A Beacon of Hope
Working with the International Red Cross, the American Red
Cross is able to help people around the globe in times of
crisis. Trained specialists work to bring stability to chaotic
refugee camps and emergency food and hygiene kits are
delivered, followed by other supplies to help with basic
necessities. We also help displaced people locate loved
ones.
Financial Development
The Valdosta Chapter receives almost half of its yearly income through individual contributions to the local United Way campaign. The other half of the budget is raised through rental and sale of health and Safety courses, materials and equipment and through fund-raising activities:
- Board Members Campaign
- Kiwanis Walk for Charity
- Direct-Mail Campaign
- Mother's Day Orchid Sale
- Dress-Down Day T-Shirt Sale
All funds raised locally are used for chapter programs and services. No funds are received from National Red Cross or the government.
