The Polk County Chapter of The American Red Cross

disaster relief

The Polk County Chapter of the American Red Cross was established in 1917. Originally chartered as the Tryon Chapter, it was renamed the Polk County Chapter on February 8, 1918. Ever since, from its location in Columbus, The Polk County Chapter has been busy helping out the community. Providing disaster services, helping men and women in the U.S. Armed Forces and their families, coordinating blood drives, teaching health and safety programs, and educating citizens on disaster preparedness is what the American Red Cross in Polk County has been doing for nearly one hundred years.

This site, arcpolk.org, aims to inform the people about The American Red Cross and Polk County North Carolina. Because The American Red Cross is such a vital part of the community, the people of Polk County should be aware the services it provides, and how to get involved. If you would like to volunteer, become a blood donor, or contribute financially to Polk County's important mission, please call the chapter office, or stop by between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The American Red Cross is a humanitarian, Non Governmental, Organization that provides emergency assistance, disaster relief and education inside the United States, and is the designated U.S. affiliate of the International Federation of Red Cross Societies. The Red Cross has over 700 chapters all over the country, and volunteers numbering in the millions. They have trained millions of people in medical procedures such as CPR and the First Aid among others. The Red Cross is also the largest supplier of blood and blood products in America. Through blood drives, they provide blood to more than 3,000 hospitals In the United States alone.

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Each year, the American Red Cross responds immediately to many tens of thousands of disasters, including house or apartment fires, which account for the majority of disaster responses, as well as hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, hazardous materials spills, transportation accidents, explosions, and other natural and man-made disasters. American Red Cross disaster relief has its main focus on meeting people's immediate emergency disaster-caused needs. When a disaster threatens or strikes, the Red Cross provides shelter, food, and health and mental health services to address basic human needs. The Red Cross also asists victims of international disasters and conflicts all over the world. They are currently in Haiti giving aid to victims of the horrendous earthquake there. In addition to disaster relief, the American Red Cross also focuses on Disaster preparedness through many training programs. Please visit The American Red Cross' home page to learn more.
American Red Cross