The Allen County Board of Commissioners has proclaimed March as “American Red Cross Month” and encouraged citizens to actively support and participate in the organization’s activities.

The proclamation was presented at today’s legislative session to Kay Ostrum, executive director of the Red Cross of Northeast Indiana Chapter.

“Every day, the American Red Cross of Northeast Indiana stands ready to provide emergency services and humanitarian relief to Allen County and its citizens,” the proclamation reads.  “When disaster strikes, the Red Cross is there to help families rebuild their lives, responding immediately to bring hope and help to our neighbors in need.”

Every year, the American Red Cross:

• Responds to nearly 70,000 disasters;
• Teaches more than 4 million people how to prepare for disaster;
• Engages more than half a million people as Red Cross volunteers;
• Trains more than 9 million people in first aid, water safety and other skills to help save lives such as CPR and use of AEDs;
• Collects 6.3 million units of blood from roughly 3.7 million volunteer donors;
• Provides services to more than 400,000 military members, veterans and civilians;
• Reconnects more than 1,000 families separated by war and disaster around the world.

The Northeast Indiana Chapter of Red Cross serves residents of Allen, DeKalb, Noble, Steuben, Wells, and Whitley Counties in Indiana and Williams County, Ohio.  With the help of over 700 community volunteers, the organization provides critical programs that meet a variety of needs.  Programs include Disaster Services, Service to the Armed Forces, Health and Safety Services and Translation and International Services.