About Us
Our MissionThe American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization, led by volunteers, that provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.
The Western Wisconsin Chapter of the American Red Cross has been serving the Western Wisconsin area since 1915.
The Red Cross is not a government agency and relies primarily on the private contributions of the American people. The majority of budget provided by contributions from individuals in the counties we serve. The balance of our annual budget is provided through special events, and grants.
Less than 20 percent of our budget is received from the area United Ways.
Red Cross Activities
Disaster planning, preparedness, education and relief
The Chapter has trained volunteers that respond to disasters within the state and across the nation. Disaster Action Team volunteers are on call 24 hours a day to respond to single family disasters (most commonly fires) to provide emergency assistance items such as food, shelter, clothing, medications and personal items. We regularly provide the public with disaster preparedness information (some specific to the elderly and the disabled).
Emergency communications and assistance to members of the Armed Forces and their area families
The Red Cross volunteers are on call 24 hours a day to process emergency communications every day. These may be messages pertaining to medical emergencies, deaths, births or health & welfare inquiries. Information is verified by our caseworkers and forwarded to the appropriate military base to facilitate procedures for emergency leave, counseling, and financial aid if necessary.
International Services
The Chapter works through International Red Cross and the Red Crescent to locate, reunite, and exchange messages between people separated from their loved ones because of war, civil disturbance, or natural disaster.
Health and Safety Services
Chapter instructors teach lifesaving skills in CPR, first aid, aquatics and water safety, and HIV/AIDS education. We train instructors, supply materials, and maintain course records for community classes as well as courses taught at local YMCAs and Parks and Recreation pools.
Blood Services
Western Wisconsin volunteers work with North Central Blood Region host and organize over 100 bloodmobiles annually to provide lifesaving blood products to area hospitals.
Our Service Area
During the past fiscal year we provided Red Cross services to over 22,000 individuals within our Chapter jurisdiction, which includes the counties of Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Dunn, Eau Claire, Pepin, Pierce, Rusk, Sawyer, Trempealeau, and Washburn.
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