Lynn Cohen, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Delaware Valley Chapter, and Alana Mauger, Regional Communications Manager, discussed the local impact of their relief efforts across the five states affected by hurricanes Milton and Helene, they talked about the volunteers who are trained for on-site emergency work, helping local agencies feed and shelter refugees, distribute supplies, coordinate government operations, and accessing damage.  More than 100 volunteers from the greater Philadelphia area have deployed and the local chapter has lent ten emergency and mission response vehicles.               

We talked about the role of the volunteer at the Red Cross, from working blood drives, delivering blood, responding to fires, and installing smoke detectors.  They described their signature programs, including their emergency training, the first aid, CPR and lifeguard certification classes, their annual ‘Sound the Alarm that installs thousands of free smoke detectors, and their disaster preparedness resources.    

We talked about the ongoing need for blood, the American Red Cross is a major supplier of the nation’s supply and any interruption in collection can cause a shortage. They gave us a rundown of who can give, virtually anyone over 17 – 16 with parental permission – who is feeling healthy that day.  They stressed the need for whole blood and platelets for trauma, cancer and sickle cell patients.   Call 1-800-REDCROSS or go to RedCrossBlood.org to find a collection drive near you, to register and to download their Donor App that allows you to pre-check your status to save time at your appointment.

For more information about training, volunteering, how to prepare for disasters go to redcross.org or call 1-800 RED CROSS.  You can donate to their relief efforts by texting HURRICANES to 90999.