American Red Cross, Polk County Chapter

The Polk County Chapter of the American Red Cross was originally chartered as the Tryon Chapter in 1917. Since then we have been providing disaster services, helping men and women in the U.S. Armed Forces and their families, coordinating blood drives, teaching health and safety programs, and educating our citizens on disaster preparedness. With American Red Cross training, our volunteers and staff serve in many capacities that make our community a better place to live.

In 2003, the Chapter moved to a building in Columbus, NC. Our facilities now include a classroom, offices, conference room, kitchen, and a large room used for blood drives and as a shelter. Our dedicated volunteers have enabled this growth to occur! We will soon have the ability to provide food and shelter to victims of disasters.

Currently we sponsor blood drives at various locations in the county. As a community service, we arrange for free blood pressure screenings twice a week at local pharmacies. Each month, health and safety classes are scheduled at the chapter office. Through presentations to civic and church groups, we describe our purpose, goals and activities.

Although Polk County has not had a major disaster recently, 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, we work with other community agencies to plan for our response in the event of a disaster.

If you would like to volunteer, become a blood donor, or contribute financially to our important mission, please give us a call, or stop by the chapter office between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.