American Red Cross-Snohomish County
Posted by Gary O'Rielly on Jan 03, 2017
The American Red Cross-Snohomish County chapter is celebrating their 100th Anniversary. Chuck Morrison joined us on December 16th to give us an update on the American Red Cross-Snohomish County chapter. This year's Hero's Breakfast raised $327,000. Chuck discussed going forward over the next 100 years instead of reflecting on the last 100 years. OSO created such a huge impact on our area on communities like Darrington, OSO and Arlington which continues today. Recently, the Darrington community North Counties Family Services through a American Red Cross grant was able to buy the distinctive wood building that was vacant for the past 13 years is across from the Darrington IGA store.
Washington landslide recovery continues and requires financial assistance, family counseling, school counselor, community PTSD education, a new food bank and preparedness investment are all part of the American Red Cross - Snohomish County Chapter. Since Darrington sits below inactive Glacier Peak, involvement of the North County Family Services center is very critical.
Food bank assistance is vital in all areas of the Chapter. The American Red Cross has launched a home fire campaign with the goal of reducing the number of home fires and deaths. Chuck commented that seven times a day someone dies in a home fire and every 40 minutes a home fire begins. The basic issue is the lack of smoke detectors. Local campaign aimed at installing 821 in 2016 and the goal for 2017 is 906. There were 121 single-multiple family disasters in FY 2016. Other services provided by the American Red Cross include Disaster cycle services; preparedness, response, recovery as well as services to the armed forces, emergency communication services and reconnection workshops. There are so many more programs supported and sponsored by the American Red Cross that is critical to all of us around the United States and our area in particular due to potential landslides.