In the spring of 1914, as tensions mounted toward what would become World War I, local visionaries saw the need to bring the services of the American Red Cross to the central mountains of the United States. Volunteers formed a loosely organized “Mountain Division of the Red Cross,” consisting of Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico and Utah.
In November 1914, the first Red Cross chapter charters were granted to serve Colorado. Over the course of the next century, Red Cross volunteers provided support for members of the military and veterans during and after every U.S. war; launched programs to teach water safety, CPR, first aid, disaster preparedness and other lifesaving skills; and provided aid during disasters large and small – here in Colorado, across the country and around the world.
In honor of this remarkable history of service, the Red Cross in Colorado will be celebrating all year with a variety of events and activities.
“The theme for our 100th anniversary is to celebrate our century of service,” said Bill Werner, Disaster Program manager for the Southwest Colorado Chapter. “We want to remember the many lives that have been touched by the Red Cross over the years and build the foundation to continue serving Colorado for another 100 years and beyond.”
As part of the celebration the Red Cross, we would like to hear and share your stories of how the Red Cross touched your life.
Was your life or the life of a loved one saved by someone trained by the Red Cross in CPR or first aid? Or maybe you used your Red Cross training to help someone who was injured, choking or unconscious?
Are you a member of the military who was helped by the Red Cross during an emergency or a war? Maybe a loved one or grandparent benefited from a Red Cross care package, emergency communication or clubmobile?
Have you ever been a Red Cross volunteer? What was the most impactful moment for you?
Have you or your family ever been impacted by a disaster and received help from the Red Cross?
Are you more prepared for disasters and emergencies thanks to a Red Cross training?
If you have stories to share related to any of the moments above, we want to hear your story.
If your story is selected, you could receive a free Red Cross T-shirt and your story will be featured on our website and social media.
Submit your story now, because T-shirts will be mailed out by May.
Go to www.redcross.org/colorado-stories to share your Red Cross story and read others’ stories.
Bill Werner is interim executive director of the Southwest Colorado Chapter of the Red Cross.
