About Polk County and The Red Cross
The Polk County Chapter has been around for almost one hundred years, they now have their own facility in Columbus, North Carolina, the county seat. The chapter jurisdiction, Polk County, is small (population approximately 19,000), but it is a tight knit community. The success of The Polk County Chapter can be attributed to the many dedicated volunteers that are vital to the running of the chapter and delivering top quality services to the community.
Funding for the operation of this chapter comes primarily from contributions given by the general public in the form of generous donations. Other sources of revenue for Polk County Chapter come from training fees for Health and Safety classes and several fundraisers.
Currently The Polk County Chapter sponsors blood drives at various locations in the county. As a community service, they arrange for free blood pressure screenings twice a week at local pharmacies. Each month, health and safety classes are scheduled at the chapter office.
The Red Cross Disaster Action Team (D.A.T.) is always available to provide assistance to families impacted by house fires, and stranded motorists, as well as police and firemen responding to emergencies. In an effort to help the county with disaster preparedness, The Red Cross of Polk County work with other community agencies to plan for our response in the event of a disaster.
During the recent winter storms, The Red Cross' Disaster Action Teams were vital in providing safe havens for those who were most affected. Polk County Chapter deployed a DAT and opened a shelter for 40 overnight affected-area residents and stranded travelers.