| The Willamette Chapter of the American Red Cross helps individuals and families recover from, prepare for, and prevent disasters. We are an independent, nonprofit organization that depends upon the generosity of our local community for our financial support. We do not receive funds from the American National Red Cross. All funds donated to your local Willamette Chapter remain here to support the following local programs unless otherwise designated:
Disaster Services
Our local Red Cross volunteers are making a difference locally and globally. This past year our local disaster relief volunteers with the Willamette Chapter helped 100 local families recover from winter storms, flooding and house fires. This past fall those same disaster relief volunteers accepted 55 assignments in response to the hurricane season in the Gulf Coast area.
They left the safety and comfort of their own homes to provide 1,242 days of service to our neighbors in the Southern US. Their service included; feeding people in shelters and in their neighborhoods as clean-up was in progress, they worked in shelters, warehouses, obtained medicines, provided basic first aid and as emotional support to those who were devastated by Hurricanes Gustav, Hanna & Ike. We also educated our community about preparing for disasters, and offer many resources to help people prepare for and prevent disasters. Biomedical Services
We support Pacific Northwest Regional Blood Services (PNRBS) by providing volunteers to recruit blood donors and work at blood drives. PNRBS provides blood to hospitals in our region. During the Arctic Blast of December 2008, our volunteer blood shuttle drivers went above and beyond their regular commitment to transport lifesaving blood products between blood drives, the testing lab in Portland and from Salem Hospital’s repository to other area hospitals. At a time when local officials were urging non-emergency workers to stay home for their own safety, our volunteers stepped forward to see that Red Cross blood reached hospital patients who might have otherwise died. Treacherous road conditions made some of the delivery routes two or three times as long to travel. Military Members and Families
We call this Armed Forces Emergency Services (AFES). We assist military families in crisis by serving as the liaison between families and their military family member. Simply put, we deliver messages! We also help military families stateside who are in crisis by facilitating cash advancements or other assistance. Health & Safety Services
Health and Safety education and training, including first aid/CPR/AED, blood borne pathogens, swimming and lifegarding, and HIV/Aids education awareness, as well as all the courses listed under Youth Services. Youth Services
Our AmeriCorps Member teaches a variety of youth classes in area schools for free, including First Aid for Children Today (FACT), Basic Aid Training (BAT), When I’m In Charge (WIIC), and Babysitting. We also have a Youth Council made up of students from area high schools, which is led by our AmeriCorps members. | 
