The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
SHOWING SUPPORT
Common Council honors Red Cross with proclamation
ONEIDA >> Oneida’s Common Council honored the local Red Cross chapter during their meeting Tuesday evening.
Mayor Helen Acker presented Red Cross Central and Northern New York Chapter Executive Director Lisa Smith and other Red Cross staff with a certificate recognizing the organization’s efforts. The certificate was a proclamation by the council acknowledging Red Cross lifesaving efforts for the month of March.
This March, the Central and Northern New York Chapter is honoring those who make its mission possible during the 80th annual American Red Cross Month celebration — a national tradition that began in 1943 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the first Red Cross Month proclamation.
“When help can’t wait during emergencies, people in Central and Northern New York rally together to provide relief and hope for neighbors in need,” Smith said.
Participate in Red Cross Month by visiting redcross.org to make a financial donation, give blood or platelets, become a volunteer, or take a class in lifesaving skills, such as first aid, CPR, and how to use an AED.
On March 22, volunteers may also join the annual Red Cross Giving Day campaign by donating at redcross.org/ givingday. Donations help provide shelter, food, relief items, emotional support, and other assistance for people affected by disasters.
“This humanitarian spirit is at the heart of our community, and we are proud to honor all those who make our mission possible during this year’s Red Cross Month celebration,” Smith said. “You can join in their commitment by donating, volunteering, giving blood or platelets, or taking a lifesaving skills course.”
Red Cross volunteers, along with blood and platelet donors and supporters, are advancing the lifesaving legacy of Clara Barton. Barton founded the American Red Cross more than 140 years ago.
A self-educated nurse, Barton risked her life to bring supplies and support to soldiers in the field during the American Civil War. Barton was known as the “Angel of the Battlefield,” nursing the wounded soldiers of both sides, at the battles of Harpers Ferry, Cold Harbor, Antietam, and elsewhere. She founded the American Red Cross in 1881, at age 59, and led it for the next 23 years.
In the past 12 months, volunteers in Central and Northern New York.
-Responded to 292 home fires and other local disasters, providing relief to 469 families.
-Installed 1,024 free alarms, making 463 local homes safer by presenting fire safety education and other lifesaving resources.
-Served 1,076 military families and provided 3,334 case services to aid veterans, service members, and their families.
-Enrolled 14,167 people in CPR, first aid, water safety, babysitting, and other lifesaving skills.
-Collected 48,013 units of blood from volunteer donors to support area hospitals and patients in need.
The Central and Northern New York Chapter serves the communities of Madison, Herkimer, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties. It is one of three chapters in the Eastern New York Region. For more information, visit redcross.org/eny
When volunteer blood and platelet donors lend an arm this March, they’ll help keep the blood supply from dropping this spring. All who come to give blood, platelets, or plasma March 1-31 will receive a $10 Visa Prepaid Card by email. Plus, they’ll be automatically entered for a chance to win a $3,000 Visa Prepaid Card. There will be five winners.