Red Cross announces major grant award for program expansion
News Times
July 8th, 2005
The Oregon Pacific Chapter of the American Red Cross
will be greatly expanding its Health & Safety
and Youth Services Programs due to a generous grant
from the Ford Family Foundation.
The two-year $260,000 grant will give the well-established,
non-profit Red Cross the opportunity to significantly
increase its First Aid, CPR, Automated External Defibrillator
(AED) and other Health & Safety Programs throughout
the chapter region with an emphasis on Coos, Curry,
Douglas and Lincoln counties. The chapter also serves
Benton, Lane and Linn counties. The expansion not
only calls for an increase in the classes at all Red
Cross locations, but will also allow for more on-site
training at community centers, schools and other locations,
especially in rural areas. In addition, grant funding
will reduce, and in some cases, eliminate fees for
seniors, low-income and Hispanic youth and adults.
While the grant funding specifically targets the
Coos, Curry, Douglas and Lincoln county populations,
it will also help to support the implementation of
Red Cross' new online training as well as providing
additional opportunities for residents throughout
the chapter's seven-county area to access Health &
Safety Services.
"The Oregon Pacific Chapter is very excited
to be the recipient of these grant funds which will
significantly expand our capability to provide these
critical, life-saving skills, particularly to adults
and youth who might otherwise be unable to access
them," said Susan Simmons, CEO for the Oregon
Pacific Chapter. "Our mission is to help people
prevent and prepare for emergencies, and that couldn't
be more important than in rural or isolated communities
where emergency assistance may not be immediately
available."
American Red Cross Health & Safety Services teaches
adults how to detect and prevent situations as well
as how to respond effectively when injuries and accidents
occur. The training provides the skills for anyone
to be able to administer the appropriate life-saving
techniques wherever they are - the workplace, at home,
or while on vacation.
Additionally, this funding will also assist in expanding
Red Cross's successful Youth Services program through
the start up of several high-school-youth-led First
Aid Service Teams (FAST). It also provides more training
for elementary and middle school-aged youth.
"The expansion of these important youth programs
will not only ensure more young people are trained
in critical lifesaving skills, but will continue to
educate children and teens on the importance of community
service and volunteerism," said Ryan Freeman,
Red Cross health and safety/youth director. "By
involving our youth in Red Cross services, we better
prepare our families as well as our communities."
To find out more about the Oregon Pacific Chapter
of the American Red Cross, or to receive information
regarding upcoming program and training schedules,
check the local newspaper, visit online at www.oregonpacific.redcross.org,
call or visit your local Red Cross office. |
