The Voice of Southwest Louisiana March 2017 Issue

Q&A American Red Cross Awareness
{Merri Alessi,
Executive Director of American Red Cross in SWLA.
"As we live the Red Cross mission daily, I am privileged and
humbled to work with volunteers and donors to serve those in need
in our community. Each day, the Red Cross helps someone who
has been devastated by a disaster or is suffering in the face of an
emergency. And on those days where we are lucky enough to see a
blue sky, the Red Cross is training individuals to help others when
the time comes or to instruct them and further their education. It is
with pride that I call myself a Red Crosser," says Merri.
March is Red Cross Month.
By Merrilyn Williams
Thank you to all the volunteers of the American Red Cross for being here during times of crisis.
The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity
of donors to help people across the country and around the world. Volunteers comprise 90
percent of the Red Cross workforce. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is
invested in humanitarian services and programs
QQuestion: The Red Cross is a part of
our lives. What are some of the ways
in which the Red Cross helps us?
AMerri: Red Cross volunteers are
available to help with disaster relief
in time of floods, tornados, hurricanes
and other major disasters. It also assists
families in need after loss such as that
caused by fires with food, shelter, and
other necessities. It provides training
and certifications to members of the
community and gives support to
veterans and military families.
What are some of the training and
Q certifications offered by the Red Cross?
AMerri: The Red Cross provides health
and safety education and training in
first aid, CPR, lifeguarding, babysitting,
water safety, and education to EMTs.
Classes are available locally and online.
Trainers can come to your workplace and
train groups and provide certification.
The Red Cross also provides free disaster
and service training to volunteers to
ensure they have the knowledge and
confidence to serve when the need
arises.
QWhat Services are available to the
Armed Forces?
AMerri : The American Red Cross
serves and supports members of
the military, veterans and their families,
providing comfort and care in military
and veteran’s hospitals, support for
military families with vital social services
and emergency communications to keep
families connected when they need it
most. It provides services and ensures
every service member, veteran and family
member has access to the full range of
Red Cross services. American Red Cross
offices around the world provide these
services to their military and veteran
community, and there is a Red Cross
volunteer located at every military
installation.
QHow can we help the Red Cross?
Merri: Members of the SWLA community
A can serve with the Red Cross:
• Volunteer
• Create an emergency preparedness
plan for their household or workplace.
• Test smoke alarms and remind others
to do so. (Please contact your local Red
Cross office if you do not have a smoke
alarm. One can be installed in your
home.)
• Make a financial contribution to the
American Red Cross.
• Learn lifesaving skills.
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March 2017 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM Volume 4 • Number 6