New name, expanded mission for local Red Cross

(Media release) The Red Cross's Coosa Valley Chapter has been renamed the Northwest Georgia Chapter of the American Red Cross as of July 1, 2010.　 The chapter now provides vital Red Cross services for families in Dade, Walker, Catoosa, Chattooga, Polk, Floyd and Bartow counties, and is also responsible for Red Cross operations in Murray, Gordon and Whitfield counties.　 The new name is more reflective of the chapter's growing regional role.　 Red Cross office locations continue unchanged in Rome, Dalton, Calhoun, Chatsworth and Cartersville.　

"The new name and responsibilities allow us to share resources, volunteers and staff in order to operate more efficiently and economically, said Jac Whatley, chapter executive director. 　"We remain dedicated to bringing the people of northwest Georgia the best possible services in disaster response and health, safety and disaster preparation education.　 The Red Cross has been there for our citizens in times of need for more than 90 years and, with the support of the community, we will continue to help our neighbors prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies."

More than 495,000 people live in the areas covered by the Northwest Georgia Chapter.　 Volunteers are active in every county, and more are needed.　 For more information on the Northwest Georgia Chapter and how to volunteer or give financially to their mission, visit their website at www.nwgaredcross.org.

RELATED: In an effort to simplify disaster relief operations, The American Red Cross, as part of a nation-wide restructuring of regions and chapters, is transferring responsibility for Catoosa, Walker and Dade counties from the Greater Chattanooga Area Chapter to the Northwest Georgia Chapter effective July 1, 2010. For a number of years, the Chattanooga Area Chapter has provided disaster relief response, health and safety training and other key services to these Georgia counties. The realignment of NW Georgia counties will enhance the Red Cross's working relationship with the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), the Georgia Region of the American Red Cross and the Red Cross Southeast Division, which includes the states of Georgia, Florida and Alabama.