Do you know your [Red Cross] ABC's?

March is Red Cross Month. 2011 is Red Cross of WNC's Centennial Year. There's no better time to become a Hero for the American Red Cross. And it all starts with something as simple as the ABC's:

The ABC's of Red Cross in WNC!

Since its founding in 1911, the American Red Cross of WNC has been the region's premier emergency response organization. As part of a worldwide movement that offers neutral humanitarian care to the victims of war, the American Red Cross distinguishes itself by also aiding victims of devastating natural disasters. Over the years, the organization has expanded its services, always with the aim of preventing and relieving suffering.

Today, the American Red Cross of WNC offers service in four primary areas. Learn our ABCD's of Service:

A - Armed Forces. The Red Cross provides timely emergency communications services to members of the Armed Forces and their families during times of deployment. Last year the Red Cross of WNC provided services to 439 military members and/or families in the region.

B - Blood Services. In the Carolinas, the Red Cross collects and distributes lifesaving blood products to 100+ hospitals, saving thousands of lives each year. Accident victims, individuals undergoing surgeries and those fighting disease in WNC alone require 1600+ pints of blood every day. Blood donors throughout WNC have access to hundreds of blood drives held throughout a 16 country area to give the gift of life.

C - Classes. Health and Safety services are the hallmarks of the Red Cross. CPR, First Aid, Aquatics, Babysitting, Wilderness First Aid and Pet First Aid are some of the many courses taught by staff and volunteer instructors. In fact, last year, nearly 40,000 individuals throughout WNC received some type of Red Cross instruction. On CPR Saturday, held annually, over 600 individuals were trained in CPR free of charge.

D - Disaster Response. The winters of 2009 - 2010 proved to be two of the most challenging on record in WNC. In response to the numerous snowstorms, power outages and a major landslide, the Red Cross of WNC opened 34 emergency shelters, housed over 2,000 individuals and fed more than 4,000 meals to residents and travelers. Our volunteer Disaster Response Teams also responded to 269 home fires affecting 310 families. Families were provided shelter, food, clothing and emergency funds.

Ready to be a Hero for the American Red Cross? Click here.