How do your programs or services help the community?

We shelter, feed, provide health and mental health services and emotional support to victims of disaster. We provide disaster preparedness training and information for children and adults. We supply about 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply, teach lifesaving skills, and support our veterans, military members and their families.

Program Descriptions

First Aid Services Team

Since 1979, the American Red Cross has been providing first aid services at public festivals, sporting events, and concerts across the area. Our team supports the many events at Ohio Stadium, the Jerome Schottenstein Center, Bill Davis Stadium, and St. John Arena. In addition to those venues, we support the Columbus Arts, Asian, and Pride Festivals, as well as the Nationwide Columbus Marathon, Cap City Half Marathon, and many other area events. Our team of trained volunteers is the emergency first aid front line for almost 2 million guests who attend or participate in these events.

Community Transportation Program

The American Red Cross believes that one’s inability to drive themselves shouldn’t prevent them from living independently in their own homes. That’s why we provide safe, reliable, and timely transportation for seniors, and others in Franklin County, to medical and other life-enhancing appointments through our Community Transportation Program.

This service is provided to those who qualify either through a third-party payer such as Franklin County Senior Options, the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging, and those who purchase their trips through the Fee for Service program. Medical transportation (dialysis, family physician, optometrist, podiatrist, dentist, etc.) is considered first priority. Non-medical requests (i.e. grocery shopping, hair salon, etc.) are considered secondary and are scheduled on a first-call first-served basis according to vehicle availability.

Disaster Presentations

The Red Cross will come to you and your group to give a free preparedness presentation tailored specifically for your needs. We also offer a variety of presentations geared especially for our community’s youth.

Topics include fire safety, general preparedness, preparing for a pandemic flu, and more.

Bilingual speakers are available and thanks to the generosity of individuals, companies, and foundations, all community disaster education is free of charge.

Community Awareness Team

The Community Awareness Team’s goal is to educate the community on who the Red Cross is and what we do and the services we provide, not just in time of Disaster.

Our Community Awareness Team is stepping out into the Central Ohio region! We attend fairs, festivals, and parades in our area to teach “Red Cross 101.” Our trained volunteers will provide education and training, speakers, and public awareness regarding our services.

If you would like to have the Red Cross visit your fair, festival, workplace, or school, please contact our local office by calling 614-253-2740 and asking for the Chapter Public Affairs team!