Red Cross alive and well in Ventura County
- By Chris Johnson, Published in the Ventura County Star

Recent articles in publications such as The New York Times and the charity publication, Chronicles of Philanthropy, have reported on the planned reorganization of the American Red Cross national headquarters.

This reorganization will have very little effect, if any, on the American Red Cross of Ventura County and the services it provides to the community. In fact, your local chapter is growing. A community campaign was launched in December to raise funds for expansion of Disaster Action Teams throughout the county. DAT members are your friends and neighbors who arrive on the scene of a disaster and give the much-needed hugs at 3 a.m.

The current Ventura Chapter DAT system responds to more than 50 local disasters yearly. Your American Red Cross of Ventura County has been here for more than 90 years. Our goal in 2008 is to ensure that every city in the county has a strong DAT-trained team of Red Cross volunteers, as well as the material supplies needed in times of disaster (cots, blankets, etc.).

Your chapter trained more than 35,000 people in life-saving skills last year, and provided support for more than 4,500 military personnel. Both these programs are expanding in 2008.

Although tough economic times challenge all charitable organizations, the citizens and businesses of Ventura County have been extremely generous with their resources of time and money. We are confident that support will continue.

National reorganization

Last year, the American Red Cross organization spent more than $3 billion on direct aid to people in need across the country.

After an exhaustive business audit last year, it was determined that reorganization of the national offices was in order. As with many large corporations, an analysis of business systems and practices is routinely done to ensure a smooth and effective operation.

What makes Red Cross different is the fact that we only survive through the generosity of the American public, making attention to detail and scrutiny important parts of how we do business.

The audit determined that a restructuring of national headquarters would be the most effective way to continue providing the high level of service that the American people expect from the Red Cross. This restructure will ensure that the front-line service of our chapters and blood regions remains strong.

Please remember even during catastrophic events, such as the recent California wildfires and Katrina, the amazing Red Cross volunteers (more than 200,000 during Katrina alone) were part of the Red Cross local chapter network system. Those volunteers were deployed from chapters across the nation. Those same volunteers provide that same service in their local chapters 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

The restructuring plan is still under development. It will, unfortunately, mean a potential loss of jobs at the national office. Some of those talented individuals will be assigned to provide additional support in the field, closer to the vital chapter network. The streamlining at national headquarters will greatly reduce, if not eliminate, the significant deficit currently identified in the headquarters budget.

All of these changes seek to create a sustainable business model at national headquarters, enabling the organization to better support Red Cross units in the field, where most services are delivered, and reduce costs to make the best use of donor dollars. In fact, restructuring should allow us to be even more efficient and effective in serving the needs of the public.

A relative newcomer's first year

It is important for me to reassure the citizens of Ventura County that their local chapter is alive, well and growing. During my year-and-a-half tenure as CEO of your American Red Cross, I have been made keenly aware of the importance the community and its first-responders place on the amazing volunteers of this chapter and the work they do on your behalf.

The relationship the Red Cross of Ventura County has with the Fire Department, Sheriff's Department, Office of Emergency Services and all of the other agencies involved with disaster response and community preparedness is one of collaboration and tremendous mutual respect, to a level not present at a lot of other Red Cross chapters.

Ventura County agencies value the expertise and respect the experience available through the staff and volunteers of your local chapter and, because of that, we are all in a better place. We know that trust and responsibility are earned and we continually strive for improvement. That's why Ventura County is such a terrific place to call home.

As this chapter prepares for the next 90 years of operation in concert with the community, we look forward to earning your support, training you to be prepared and how to save a life, supporting our military families, providing meaningful volunteer opportunities and continuing to be there when you need us.

— Chris A. Johnson is chief executive officer of the American Red Cross of Ventura County.