The American Red Cross provides a variety of programs and services in the Valley, but our main focus is threefold; to help and prepare for and respond to emergencies through disaster education, CPR, and first aid and water safety certification. Through our blood drives we assist Connecticut hospitals and clinic patients, and we also provide world-wide emergency communications for military families in time of crisis.

Valley United Way funding allows us to provide preparedness information, education and emergency assistance through food, clothing and shelter to individuals and families after fire or natural disaster and supports the costs of our 24 hour military communication and disaster response. One incident in particular took place over a holiday weekend. A fire on a late Friday afternoon uprooted a family of 10 with no assistance until Tuesday. Our chapter stepped in and provided food, shelter, and clothing totaling $1,800, until a referral could be made after the holiday.

The Red Cross has a tremendous impact on our community by touching the lives of almost everyone living and working in the Valley. Hospital workers, first respondents, life guards, day care providers, coaches, and scout leaders are mandated to receive specialized Red Cross CPR, First Aid and Water Safety certifications. We also respond to fires or natural disaster emergencies and assist with food, shelter, and clothing when needed. The Red Cross is the only vehicle the military uses to notify or confirm the need for a service member’s presence in the case of a family member’s illness, death, or birth of a child. We collect approximately 3,800 units of blood benefiting over 12,000 individuals in our state each year, which goes to burn patients and those suffering from leukemia, hemophilia, anemia, and cancer. Our goal is to improve the quality of life and help people avoid or prepare for emergencies.

Valley United Way Home Page