March is Red Cross Month

With March proclaimed as Red Cross Month by President Barack Obama, the Bourbon County Chapter of the American Red Cross on Monday recognized and thanked the supporters and volunteers whose efforts enable the organization to respond to disasters "down the street, across the country and around the world," a Red Cross statement said.

"The Red Cross works tirelessly to be there with help and hope when people need it most -- and we are grateful for the public support that enables us to continue our work -- here at home and abroad," Bourbon County Chapter of the American Red Cross Executive Director Whendi Martin said. "Our community and our nation depend on the Red Cross in times of need, and the Red Cross depends on the support of people in America to achieve its mission."

Martin added, "During Red Cross Month, we want to recognize the valuable supporters whose generosity makes the work of the American Red Cross possible. In addition, Red Cross Month is a great time for people to get involved with the Red Cross, such as donating blood; signing up for a CPR, first aid or another Red Cross course; giving a financial gift that can really save the day when the next disaster strikes; or getting involved as a volunteer."

The Red Cross provides shelter, food, comfort and hope to survivors of nearly 70,000 disasters each year; helps prepare communities for emergencies; is the largest single provider of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills to more than 5 million people each year; supports military members and their families; and provides international humanitarian aid, the agency statement said.

"The Red Cross has responded following the Haiti earthquake in January, working to turn despair into hope," Martin said. "The Red Cross is there in Haiti now -- and we are also here each day across the country for families who need us."

Although major disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes and wildfires capture national media headlines, the day-to-day work of the Red Cross often takes place in local communities. In the past year, the Bourbon County chapter responded to 16 local emergencies, assisted 27 military families and trained hundreds of people in lifesaving skills. Local residents also donated more than 900 units of blood last year, the agency statement said.

Fort Scott Mayor Gary Bukowski signed a proclamation declaring March as Red Cross Month in Fort Scott during the Feb. 2 meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission.

The Bourbon County chapter has several activities planned for Red Cross Month, including the sale of American Red Cross symbols at Gene's IGA and Woods Supermarket, and enlisting community members as Red Cross Heroes.

Anyone who is interested in becoming a Hero for the local Red Cross chapter should contact Martin at (620) 223-0980.