Facts at a Glance
In the 2010 fiscal year, the North Central Florida Chapter of the American Red Cross provided the following services to the residents of Alachua, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, and Suwanee counties in Florida.
Disaster Preparedness and Relief
- Nearly 400 local residents were given food, clothing, and shelter as they fell victim to house fires, floods, and other disasters.
- Approximately 6,800 local citizens were taught how to keep themselves and their homes safer through preparedness and planning presentations.
- Preparedness and planning information was handed out to more than 4,000 people in the community on how to prepare for and prevent damage from hurricanes, fires, floods, and tornadoes.
Armed Forces Emergency Services and International Services
- Provided more than 600 services, such as emergency communications and financial assistance, to United States Armed Forces military members.
Health and Safety
- More than 4,800 local residents were trained in lifesaving programs such as CPR, first aid, aquatics, and babysitting.
- Nearly 530 children have received Scrubby Bear training, a basic hand washing hygiene program.
- More than 500 adults and children were either trained in water safety or received certification in lifeguard and other aquatics training.
Funding
- The North Central Florida Chapter continues to rely on the public for support, receiving no funding from the federal government. For our projected 2011 fiscal year, approximately 5% of the chapter's operating funds will come from the United Way of Suwannee Valley.
The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization, led by volunteers, that provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. It does this through services that are consistent with its congressional charter and the fundamental principles of the International Red Cross Movement.