As published in the Jefferson County Suburban Journals.

During a KJFF radio interview on Nov. 10, Omar Ruiz of the American Red Cross Jefferson County Service Center thanked listeners for their support of Red Cross programs and services during the pervious year. Ruiz expressed appreciation for the generosity of Red Cross volunteers, financial contributors and blood donors who help the St. Louis Area Chapter reach the community through diverse programs and services.

"Because the Red Cross is not a government agency, public support of its mission to help the community prevent, prepare for and respond to disaster and emergencies is essential," Ruiz said. Last year, the St. Louis Area Chapter touched the community more than 410,000 times, while the Missouri-Illinois Blood Services Region collected approximately 300,000 units of blood to support as many as 120 hospitals.

Ruiz focused on the many local people who embraced the Red Cross message of preparedness last year. Right here in the St. Louis area, more than 85,000 people were trained in lifesaving First Aid and CPR, including more than 15,000 who learned how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). An AED is a device used to restore a life-sustaining heart rhythm.

An additional 72,000 people participated in community disaster education presentations that are available to the community free of charge, while 60,000 more learned how to be safe during workshops led by Red Cross AmeriCorps members.

Through Learn-to-Swim programs, lifeguard certification and other safety curriculum, more than 42,000 local residents were trained to be safe in the water. The Red Cross upheld the highest standards of safety through its Aquatic Examiner Service, which involves unannounced on-site evaluations at area water parks.

The Red Cross assisted more than 6,300 military personnel and families through Armed Forces Emergency Services. This outreach included the delivery of emergency communications to loved ones stationed throughout the world.

More than 3,700 people were educated locally in the International Services of the Red Cross movement worldwide. In addition, 32 traces were initiated through the St. Louis Area Chapter to reconnect families separated by war or armed conflict.

Also last year, more than 1,100 families received emergency food, clothing, shelter and other Red Cross disaster relief after losing their homes to fire. In preparation to respond to a large-scale disaster, the Red Cross designated more than 600 area schools, churches and community centers as potential shelters.

Ruiz concluded his interview by discussing a recent large-scale disaster and the resulting Red Cross relief effort. In July, local residents saw the region work together in partnership when faced with unique challenges. Following a severe wind storm that left hundreds of thousands without power as temperatures soared, hundreds of Red Cross volunteers worked tirelessly to provide comfort to their fellow citizens for more than a week.

The Red Cross sheltered more than 750 people from the heat and served more than 75,000 meals and snacks in partnership with emergency management and many area agencies. Ruiz expressed his deep respect and appreciation for the steadfast dedication of Red Cross volunteers and for the ongoing support demonstrated by the community throughout the disaster response.

"Thanks to support from the entire metropolitan area, the Red Cross was able to make a significant and positive impact on the local area last year," Ruiz said. "We are here to help people in their time of need."

For more information about the diverse programs and services available to the community through the American Red Cross, Ruiz encouraged the public to call the Jefferson County Service Center in Arnold at 636.464.9150 or log on to www.redcrossstl.org.

The next Red Cross interview will air live on KJFF Radio at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 8.