Last year, Washtenaw County sponsored 67 of 660 blood drives at the University, collected 23,010 pints of blood, provided social services to more than 2,800 local people, assisted 248 victims of disaster and reached a record high volunteer list of more than 900 people.
With all of these achievements, the Washtenaw County chapter of the Red Cross boasts the most impressive record in the state. John Nordlinger, president of the local chapter, said community involvement was the key to success.
"I am proud to be working with the Red Cross, an institution that is known for its integrity and commitment," Nordlinger said. "Unlike private businesses, our funds rely on the generosity of the people of Washtenaw County and their overwhelming commitment to the community."
Jim Pedersen, chair of the board of directors of the local Red Cross, agreed that local residents contributed to the effort.
"Time, energy and resources are the key ingredients to a successfully operated charity, and the Red Cross has been fortunate enough to retain each of these through the assistance of the community."
Kevin Dowd of the local Red Cross chapter said most of their disaster relief programs are used by University students.
"The most commonly featured accidents take place in apartments and involve fires. Many of these incidents involve students at the University of Michigan," Dowd said. "The Red Cross is contacted by the Fire Department almost immediately after a fire breaks out to provide relief to victims."
Disaster relief is the Red Cross' largest social service
"This task enlists the availability of many dedicated volunteers, donors; a large quantity of time and energy and perhaps most importantly the accessibility of funds," Dowd said.
On a national scale, the hurricanes that have ravaged their way through the south-central corridor have devastated millions of families, and the Red Cross is currently seeking to allocate funds to assist victims in these areas.
As part of a $25-million campaign in disaster relief, the national chapter expects Washtenaw County to raise $19,000.
An integral component of the Red Cross is the contribution and performance of its volunteers. Several hundred University students volunteer as a means of giving back to the community.
Amy Wu, a second-year graduate student in computer science and education, first started working with the Red Cross nine months ago. She has participated in blood drives, helped fund-raisers such as "Swim-Across," and busied herself with collecting funds from sponsors.
Wu said her time with the Red Cross has been a valuable learning experience. Wu stressed the "visibility" and "accessibility" of the organization.
The Red Cross is sponsoring a "Blood Battle" that runs Nov. 11-22. The Blood Battle is a competition, sponsored on a yearly basis, between Ohio State and Michigan, to increase the blood supply in the neighboring states.
The University has not won the Blood Battle since it began 15 years ago.