Recently, I was asked to write an article about the programs offered by the American Red Cross. Unfortunately copy word-count limitations meant I was unable to mention all the fantastic programs. I felt it was important to write about the more well known programs that most people are familiar with . Re-reading the article, I realized that I still had to give mention to the lesser-known but equally important programs that impact on the everyday lives of citizens all over the country and delivered by the 700 or so Chapters across the nation. I have learned my lesson of lack of copy space . From now on I’m not going to focus so much on the flow of the article instead I’m going to pay more attention to the substance and mention the lesser known but seriously important programs starting with a quick mention of car donation too.
The Red Cross Advantage when taking up their programs: convenience, cost-effective training, consistency nationwide, complete emergency preparedness, courses developed by experts, certified instructors, participant certification, relief from record-keeping burden, Spanish-language courses.
First Aid, CPR and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Courses.
Caregiving and Babysitting. (American Red Cross caregiving programs help people develop the skills and knowledge to care for themselves and others).
The Masters of Disaster® series – an educational tool that will teach youth the importance of preparedness while decrease fear of the unexpected. The goal is to empower youth with the confidence and knowledge to prepare for disasters and help create a culture of preparedness.
African American HIV/AIDS Program, Basic HIV/AIDS Program, Hispanic HIV/AIDS Program, Workplace HIV/AIDS Program, HIV/AIDS Programs for Youth.
Swimming: Nearly 2 million people learn to swim each year with American Red Cross programs. Lifeguarding: The American Red Cross trains more than 170,000 lifeguards each year.
Of course, there are programs and workshops organized by local Chapters to meet the particular needs of their communities and the fact that they are still in use and demand for more programs is rising shows their importance .
Fundraising programs like the now established donate a car to charity program, that accepts auto donation, car donation, vehicle donation all under the same umbrella is a great way to provide funds needed to keep the life changing community programs alive .