Debbie Koch, executive director of the American Red Cross Greater Miami and the Keys Chapter, joined Good Morning Keys on KeysTalk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to talk about what’s been going on in the organization.
Looking back on 2022, the Red Cross was there to help during Hurricane Ian.
Additionally, there were about 24 home fires and house boat fires in the past year.
Koch said, “Helping about 100 people, dozens and dozens of families get back on their feet after a really devastating occurrence like a home fire. We were working with some great partners like the United Way of Collier and the Keys and SOS Kitchens to help families who were impacted by Hurricane Ian.”
Financial assistance was provided to the Keys, thanks to support from Monroe County.
A number of youth preparedness programs were held with Boys and Girls Clubs and churches.
Koch said, “We were able to teach young kids how to prevent home fires, which is always a good thing. A lot of times kids who are home in the afternoon or by themselves don’t realize how devastating playing with fire can be. So we get out into the communities and teach little ones how to be safe.”
Disaster safety for people with disabilities is another topic the Red Cross focuses on.
Koch said, “We work with the Centers for Independent Living in Key Largo very closely to make sure that our friends who live with disabilities have the resources they need. For example, we install free smoke alarms in homes, but if you have hearing impairment, you need a special smoke alarm that gets installed on your bed that shakes in case of smoke in your home.”
For people with hearing impairments, call the Red Cross or the Centers for Independent Living and you can get a special smoke alarm installed.
Koch said, “It saves lives. We know it saves lives.”
The Red Cross’s Garden Party in Red event will be held on January 28 at the oldest House and Gardens in Key West.
Koch said, “We get to celebrate the Red Cross mission and raise some much needed funds to keep the Red Cross going in Monroe County. It’s a first time event for us and we’re so delighted to be partnering with the Oldest House. It’s such a gorgeous and iconic spot in Key West.”
The event will include dinner, music and a whole lot of fun.
For more information, click here: https://www.redcross.org/local/florida/south-florida/about-us/news-and-events/events/gardenparty.html
The Keys Red Cross helped more than 350 families following about 220 local disasters and volunteers played a big role.
Koch said, “We can’t do any of this without volunteers. We love, love volunteers. Ninety percent of our work in the community is done by volunteers.”
For more information on volunteering, click here: https://www.redcross.org/local/florida/south-florida/volunteer.html
The Red Cross is also well-known for blood donations.
Koch said, “We partner with our amazing friends at One Blood. Giving blood is one of the best things you can do for your health and for your neighbors. You never, ever know when someone you love is going to need blood. Especially if you have a rare blood type. We collectively maintain a rare blood bank for people who have emergency situations. There are always special needs for people who have that special blood type.”
Services are also available for people in the military and those who have served.
Koch said, “It’s part of our original founding charter 100 and some years ago. We support military members and their families from the day they sign up to the day they pass.”
Call 1-800-RED-CROSS any time a military member or family has any need.
Koch said, “We’ve helped military members who are deployed get home to see loved ones who are very ill or see loved ones who are coming into the world as a new baby. We connect military families who need help with rent or any kind of issue that they need, we are the big connecting force for military families for all different agencies in the community.”
Donations are always welcome and it’s through monetary help that the Red Cross is able to do what they do.
For more information, click here: https://www.redcross.org/