American National Red Cross Collier County Chapter

Programs: Collier County Chapter of the American Red Cross programs include: Disaster Response-The Collier County Chapter of the American Red Cross responded to 39 diaster calls, helping 33 families (160+ individuals). The Chapter incurred expenses totaling $100,000 for disaster response. This figure does not include Mass Care supplies that we take to all disaster calls, such as water, ice, food/snacks, coffeee, etc., or the cost of training volunteers, transportation, gas, cell phones, and other related items. Disaster Preparedness-The Collier County Chapter of the American Red Cross has 15 volunteers on 5 Disaster Action Teams (DAT) that respond to disasters 24 hours-a-day, 365 days a year. Disaster instructors taught 18 classes with 110 participants. There are 52 Disaster Service Human Resource volunteers who respond to disasters outside of Collier County. These highly trained individuals devote 3 weeks at a time to major National disaster operation whenever they are called. Disaster Classes in Disaster Services, Mass Care/Shelter Operations,Shelter Simulation, Emergency Response Vehicle Training, Damage Assessment, Disaster Mental Health, Family Services, Family Well-Being Inquiry and Simulation, and Records and Reporting of Disasters are taught on a monthly basis throughout the year. Armed Forces Emergency Services: The Chapter has 8 volunteer Armed Forces Emergency Services caseworkers who alternate carrying a pager for one week at a time. Their commitment has resulted in Armed Forces Emergency Service coverage 24-hours-a-day/ 365 days a year. They completed 99 casework services within the last year with 0 breakdowns in service. In cooperation with the community the Chapter coordinated the collection and mailing of 800 "Stockings for the Troops" to our military in Iraq for Christmas. Health and Safety Services: Classes in CPR for Adults, Infant/Child CPR, CPR for Infants and Children, Community CPR, Standard First Aid, Community First Aid and Safety, CPR for the Professional Rescuer, Lifeguard, Community Water Safety, and HIV/AIDS Education and Prevention are taught continuously throughout the year. The Collier County Chapter has 165 instructors who taught 4250 participants in CPR, First Aid, Babysitting, Pet First Aid, and HIV/AIDS. 794 participants were instructed in Aquatic & Water Safety. International Family Tracing service, Although 10 Volunteers are trained to deliver International Services, only 1 case was handled, other than referrals to our local Congressman for assistance with Humanitarian Visas.