The American Red Cross is working to strengthen local partner networks in disaster-prone counties across the country, and they have identified Chatham County, Georgia as a new area for the Community Adaptation Program. Beginning later this summer, the Red Cross of Georgia will team up with organizations in the county to help provide increased access to health and mental health services, nutritious food, and safe housing for local families. By forging these new partnerships with local nonprofits, the Red Cross seeks to build more resilient communities that are better equipped to cope with the increasing frequency and intensity of climate disasters.
These partnerships aim to expand and enhance the services provided in Chatham County, Georgia, enabling them to serve more people before and after a disaster. Alexandra Taylor is the new Disaster Risk Reduction Manager for the Community Adaptation Program in Chatham County. “I look forward to working with partners in our community to make a lasting impact. I’m excited to strengthen these local networks and bring this program to Chatham County,” said Taylor.
“It’s a team effort to help communities become better prepared for, and more resilient after disasters, especially as the climate crisis worsens existing societal inequities such as access to nutritious food, health and mental health care, and housing resources,” said Maria Center, Executive Director of the Southeast Georgia Chapter.
Each year, the Red Cross responds to about 65,000 disasters nationwide by providing food, shelter, emotional support, financial assistance and supplies. Here in Georgia, this includes more than 2,800 disasters last fiscal year. Among those recent relief efforts, the Red Cross has helped more than 350 people in Chatham County from over 70 disasters.
“Our mission has always been to help those in need,” said Alicia Doherty, Regional Chief Executive Officer for the American Red Cross of Georgia. “This program will further help us support families in Chatham County who are struggling to cope with more frequent and intense disasters.”
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
