Scott Jarrett, Director of Financial Development & Public Relations for the Central West Virginia Chapter of the American Red Cross

April 5, 2005

Whatever the need in time of emergency and disaster, the Red Cross is on the scene providing food, shelter, clothing, rent assistance -- whatever relief may be needed, says Scott Jarrett. "In the northern part of our region, they need blood units; in the southern counties -- especially during the past four years -- there has been a high demand for flood assistance.

"There seems to be a myth that floods hit the same areas over and over," he said. "That is not the case. The recent floods have been in different areas, often in places where we have no previous history of flooding."

Where high water is likely, the organization sometimes tries to fix the problem before a crisis develops. A lady in St. Albans lived in a place where flooding was probable. Red Cross helped move the home several feet uphill before flood waters threatened.

Many of the needs for emergency shelter arise from single-family fires. There have been over 315 of these during the past year alone.

Over 20,000 pints of blood are supplied each year through the Central West Virginia chapter. "A five-day supply is needed," said Jarrett. "The reality is usually less than a two-day supply."

Jarrett noted that only five percent of the eligible population donates blood regularly. "An increase in giving as small as one percent would relieve the shortage," said Jarrett.

He talked about some of the services for health and safety preparedness. Classes in CPR, first aid, life-guarding -- even certification for baby-sitting -- are offered by Red Cross.

The Armed Forces Emergency Service is another little-known effort by the organization. Providing a link between home and needs arising out of military service obligations, Red Cross fields about fifty cases per month in central West Virginia. Seminar sessions are provided for families facing problems of finances or other difficulties arising out of military service. "We want you to get to know us before you leave us," he said.

The Central West Virginia chapter covers sixteen counties with 23 paid staff members and an annual budget of $1.6 million. Much of this comes from United Way. No federal or state funding goes into Red Cross.

Most of the work is donated by volunteers, he told Putnam Rotarians at their Sleepy Hollow luncheon meeting today. The local chapter has 28 volunteers for every paid staff person.

"Many of us are not aware of the many ways volunteers may serve," Jarrett said. He cited examples of several phone-based services which are provided by volunteers with physical disabilities.

Marty Chapman and Bob Keely, members of Putnam Rotary, serve on the Red Cross Advisory Board. Jarrett also recognized the support by the Putnam Rotary for tsunami relief in Indonesia -- a part of $160 million collected by the American Red Cross for assistance following the disaster last December.