Red Cross Announces Community Adaptation Program in Chatham County to Foster Disaster Resilience

THE American Red Cross works to strengthen local partner networks in disaster-prone counties across the country, and they have identified Chatham County, Georgia as a new area for Community Adaptation Program. Starting this summer, the Georgia Red Cross will partner with organizations across the county to help improve access to health and mental health services, nutritious food and safe housing for local families. By forging these new partnerships with local nonprofits, the Red Cross seeks to build more resilient communities that are better equipped to cope with the increasing frequency and intensity of climate disasters.

These partnerships aim to expand and improve services provided in Chatham County, Georgia, enabling them to serve more people before and after a disaster. Alexandra Taylor is the new Disaster Risk Reduction Manager for the Chatham County Community Adaptation Program. “I look forward to working with partners in our community to make a lasting impact.” I’m excited to strengthen these local networks and bring this program to Chatham County,” Taylor said.

“This is a team effort to help communities become better prepared and more resilient after disasters, particularly as the climate crisis worsens existing social inequalities such as access to nutritious food , health and mental health care and housing resources,” said Maria Center, Executive Director of the Southeast Georgia Chapter.

Each year, the Red Cross responds to approximately 65,000 disasters nationwide by providing food, shelter, emotional support, financial assistance and supplies. Here in Georgia, that includes more than 2,800 disasters in the last fiscal year. Among these recent relief efforts, the Red Cross has helped more than 350 people in Chatham County following more than 70 disasters.

“Our mission has always been to help those in need,” said Alicia Doherty, Regional Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Georgia. “This program will further help us support Chatham County families who are struggling to cope with more frequent and intense disasters.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and comforts victims of disasters; provides about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches life-saving skills; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, service members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that relies on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to carry out its mission. For more information, visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.