Welcome to the

 American Red Cross

 South Central Illinois Chapter

Celebrating 90 Years of Service to the Region

The American Red Cross began its service in South Central Illinois at the beginning of World War I, in 1917. Small, independent chapters sprang up in places like Effingham, Centralia, Flora, Salem, Vandalia, Carlyle and in Jasper and Cumberland counties. Initially, the chapters supported the war effort by assembling medical supplies and bandages to be sent overseas. Later, chapters got involved in community blood drives to assure the nation of a safe and plentiful supply of blood products. Congress was so impressed with the capabilities of the Red Cross, it authored a Congressional Charter designating the American Red Cross as the primary non governmental organization to provide disaster relief in the United States.

What We Do Locally!

The American Red Cross has been serving this community since 1917 and is one of the oldest and most respected service organizations in the area. The South Central Illinois Chapter has over 150 volunteers throughout a seven county area. Geographically, it is one of the largest Red Cross chapters in the State of Illinois. We train nearly 5000 people EVERY YEAR in lifesaving skills such as CPR, First Aid and Water Safety. We respond to about 60 disasters (home fires, floods, tornadoes) every year, providing emergency relief of food, shelter, clothing and essential medication. Several times each week, we assist military personnel or their families with emergency communication and help to reunite them during times of need.
 

•supports the Missouri-Illinois Blood Services Region with assistance with local blood drives

•offers classes in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), water safety, swimming, and lifeguard training

•offers HIV/Aids educational materials

•provides prompt relief in times of national disaster through a national disaster fund

•facilitates emergency communication between members of the US Armed Forces and   supports casework services

•prepares for prompt action in times of local disaster by training volunteers, preparing and  facilitating a local disaster plan, and maintaining a local disaster fund.

The Mission of the American Red Cross

"The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization, led by volunteers, that provides relief to victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. It does this through services that are consistent with its congressional charter and the principles of the International Red Cross Movement."

             Serving Marion County

            Serving Effingham, Fayette,    Jasper, Cumberland and Clay Counties

              Serving Clinton County

The major source of funding for any Red Cross chapter is private donations.

© Copyright The American Red Cross South Central Illinois Chapter. All Rights Reserved.
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web site designed by: Janetta Forbes

web site maintained by: Joy Lougeay