American Red Cross Northern Lower Michigan

The American Red Cross of Northern Lower Michigan provides services in Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Emmet Counties. Volunteers meet with families following a house fire or other natural disaster to provide financial assistance for their immediate needs of food, clothing and shelter. Volunteers train to set up shelters in the event of a local or national disaster. Provide CPR & First Aid certification and other presentations such as Pandemic Flu, Fire Safety or Babysitters Training. Assist military members and their families during a crisis by providing emergency communications. Assist with local Blood Drives: registration, baking cookies, making donor calls.

The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers, guided by its Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross Movement, will provide relief to victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. American Red Cross has been in existence since 1812 - the local chapter was chartered in 1917. The organization was formed to assist people following a disaster. The first national disaster the Red Cross responded to was here in Michigan when families were displaced following a forest fire. Volunteers for the organization stand ready to respond where ever there is a disaster. As the agency grew emphasis began to be placed on prevention and preparation - the American Red Cross became the premier provider of CPR and First Aid training and designed Water Safety & Lifeguard Instruction. Assisting with emergency communications for Military Members and their families has continued to be a part of chapter services since World War I.