100 Black Men Of America And Red Cross Sign Agreement To Increase Diverse Outreach

Main Category: Aid / Disasters
Article Date: 02 Oct 2007 - 12:00 PDT

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100 Black Men of America, Inc. and the American Red Cross are forming a partnership that will work to increase local outreach to diverse communities throughout the United States. The two organizations will combine efforts to enhance delivery of services to diverse communities during times of disaster as well as promote community preparedness.

Under the agreement the Red Cross will provide disaster training to members of the 100 Black Men of America, who will also be invited to join local Red Cross boards to provide expertise and guidance. Additionally, the 100 Black Men of America and the American Red Cross will identify opportunities to promote youth involvement that benefits the mission of both organizations.

The new partnership was announced during a leadership reception in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, September 26, 2007. Present at the event were John Hammond, CEO of the 100 Black Men of America, and Mark Everson, President and CEO of the American Red Cross.

"The 100 Black Men of America is eager to join with the American Red Cross in this most meaningful partnership," said John B. Hammond III, Chief Executive Office of 100 Black Men of America. "We are extremely excited to join our two organizations together in a concerted effort to raise the level of community readiness and individual preparedness on a local basis in our African-American communities."

"The Red Cross is very grateful to the 100 Black Men of America for this critical relationship," said Mark W. Everson, President and CEO of the American Red Cross. "Our mission is to ensure that all in our Nation are cared for and through partnerships like this, we can reach out to and reflect the rich diversity of America. Not only will the Red Cross benefit from the expertise and guidance of 100 Black Men of America, I am equally optimistic that this relationship will help the Red Cross in our quest to become a more culturally competent organization, better able to adapt to the changing needs of every community," Everson added.

The American Red Cross helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Last year, almost a million volunteers and 35,000 employees helped victims of almost 75,000 disasters; taught lifesaving skills to millions; and helped U.S. service members separated from their families stay connected. Almost 4 million people gave blood through the Red Cross, the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. The American Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work.

http://www.redcross.org

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