March is Red Cross Month

President Barack Obama proclaimed March 2011 as “American Red Cross Month," kicking off the start of four weeks in which volunteers across the country are encouraged to participate in the programs and activities at their local Red Cross chapter.

For over 100 years, the Westchester County Red Cross Chapter has aided the community in times of need by providing relief to disaster victims and preparing people on how to prevent and respond to emergencies.

“The Westchester County Chapter provides  disaster relief to victims of natural and human-caused disaster.” explained Carissa Duro, Coordinator of Youth Programs and Community Outreach, and AmeriCorps VISTA. “We provide the Westchester community with disaster preparedness information. We train community members in CPR, First Aid, Lifeguard training, Babysitter’s Training and much more.”

The Red Cross's services, however, extend far beyond seminars and classes. “We also give presentations in schools on community service and how to wash one’s hands properly with our helper Scrubby Bear," added Duro. "We organize blood drives in the community to save lives. One donation saves three lives. We also provide support to military families.”

During Red Cross Month, our local chapter asks that community members join the Red Cross and help them support the Westchester community by making a donation, volunteering, taking a class or giving blood.

The Westchester County Chapter has also planned programs especially for March. On Saturday, March 19, there will be two mock response drills and exercises in Yonkers and Peekskill. There will also be Save-a-Life Saturday in Honor of Gabrielle Giffords on Saturday, March 19 at Eastview Middle School in White Plain. During Save-a-Life Saturday, Red Cross volunteers will train community members in compression only CPR as well as provide basic first aid and shock treatment.

In addition to participating in the “March is Red Cross Month,” community members can also register to become a Red Cross volunteer. The Westchester County Chapter is always searching for volunteers, as they play an essential role in the success of the American Red Cross’s efforts.

“96 percent of the Red Cross’s workforce is lead by volunteers," said Duro. "There are 100 youth volunteers at our chapter. And, we have over 670 adult volunteers. People want to give back to their community and help one another, especially in times of need such as a disaster.”

Youth volunteers reach out to their schools to arrange blood drives, and to organize presentations about how students can get involved with the Red Cross. Sometimes, youth volunteers also start Red Cross Clubs at their schools.

As for Duro, she is part of national service program AmeriCorps. She was placed at the American Red Cross Westchester County Chapter as an AmeriCorps VISTA to help improve Red Cross services and information access to low-income communities.

“I decided to join the Red Cross because I previously interned at a Red Cross in Pennsylvania, and I wanted to continue working in the non-profit field. AmeriCorps VISTA was a great opportunity. Since I grew up in Westchester, it was a perfect fit,” said Duro. 

The Red Cross volunteers are made up of people from a variety of backgrounds, and everyone is welcomed. And, remember there are still plenty of opportunities to give back to the Red Cross besides volunteering. For more information, visit the organization’s website or stop by the Red Cross tables at community health fairs, cultural fairs and community fairs.