The American Red Cross is celebrating its 140th anniversary today. Officials marked the occasion in Albany and across New York.
The Red Cross was founded in 1881, when telegraphs were used to communicate during disasters. 140 years later, the organization uses modern technology to respond to all manner of disasters – not just to provide food, water, and clothing, but also mental health support to those affected.
Kevin Coffey, Regional Chief Executive Officer for the American Red Cross Eastern New York, recalled a recent devastating fire in the City of Troy, where a young boy was killed.
“One organization cannot do it alone. We partner with so many organizations in our communities to make sure that we can meet the needs. For that tragic home fire that happened in Troy, we had disaster mental health care workers that were deployed to help that family in the grieving process. But after the fire, there’s a long road to recovery. So our case managers will are continuing to work with them and then we also partner with other organizations to make sure other needs are met.”
One of the things the American Red Cross depends on the most is blood donations. To mark the 140th anniversary, a number of events were being held across the state including in downtown Albany.
“We have six blood drives happening across the region. Here, at the Albany Capital Center, we have a number of elected officials, community leaders coming out and donating. And then this evening at 6:30 we have a live virtual program featuring JR Martinez with special guest appearance by actor Paul Rudd. So we have a really great day filled with incredible volunteers and supports to help celebrate this life-saving issue,” said Coffey.
Organizers hoped to see around 120 people come into the Albany Capital Center to donate blood. Among those checking in was Stewart’s Shops President Gary Dake.
“A few years ago, a co-worker of mine came down with a serious injury and when he got back to work he thanked me for being a blood donor because he had treatments that he said, you know, would get postponed if there wasn’t enough blood. And it really made me personalize the importance of giving blood and knowing somebody whose actual recovery and his life was dependent upon people giving blood. It’s a simple thing to do and it’s just nice to find a way to give back to your community in such a personal way,” said Dake.
New York State Assemblymember Angelo Santabarbara, a Democrat from the 111th District, presented Coffey and other Red Cross staff and volunteers on hand with an Assembly proclamation.
“140 years is a significant milestone. The Red Cross…you could talk to anyone at the state legislature and they could tell you personal stories about how the Red Cross has responded to an emergency, has been able to help a family, whether it’s a house fire, whether it’s extreme weather that’s happened across our state…”
For more information on the American Red Cross and to learn more about how to volunteer and donate, visit: https://www.redcross.org/
