Red Cross Unit Makes Ready to Handle Calls In U.S. Defense Effort Chairman Bennett Urges Strengthening of All Projects NEW DEMANDS SEEN Dr. Draper Notes Nurse Shortage; Blood-typing Service Asked Jan. 1941 Enthused by reports of past successes in coping with emergencies, members of the Weber county chapter of the American Red Cross stepped out today into their new year with a pledge to adjust their machinery to meet any requirements resulting from the national defense effort. Reviews of projects during the past year were presented by committee chairmen at an annual report meeting Tuesday night in the Green Gables tearoom. Dr. R. L. Draper relinquished his post as chapter chairman, which he had held since1932, and the reins were taken over by E. G. Bennett, one of Utah’s leading financial executives. Termed Imperative “War defense plans make it imperative that the Red Cross strengthen its first aid, life saving, home hygiene and care of the sick and disaster preparedness efforts and volunteer production work for our own soldiers as well as those abroad.” Mr. Bennett said. He commended the committees for their accomplishments. Dr. Draper emphasized the load of the organization will increase sharply with the continuation of national defense preparations. “We are facing a serious shortage of nurses in our own vicinity,”he said “The shortage will be even worse in coming months, as national defense programs will demand their services. Right now I would say we are short between 50 and 60 nurses in Weber county. Our hospital is undermanned. We have about one nurse for every 10 patients.” SUCCESSION…E.G. Bennett (at top) is the new chairman of the Weber County Red Cross chapter, succeeding Dr. R. L. Draper, who had served since 1932. For Blood Donations Dr. Draper praised the work of the home nursing service, and urged those in charge to bring their training before the largest number of people possible. He suggested the immediate organization of a blood-typing service, complete with a card index system, and declared: “Blood donations are becoming an important part of medicine. The need for blood donors will become increasingly vital as the war preparations continue. Shiploads of blood are going to England. Even in our own community, an emergency could call for 100 blood donors any day.” Better Equipment Reports disclosed an appreciable part of last year’s work had been concerned with war relief and national defense. Mrs. C. H. B. Seybert, chairman of the war relief production committee, said 2250 garments had been prepared by local women and shipped to New Jersey for children, men and women in Great Britain, and that another shipment would be made in February. Mrs. Seybert appealed for more and better equipment to facilitate the work. “We are badly in need of good electric sewing machines,” she said. “Our clothing production has been considerably slowed through lack of substantial machinery.” She thanked the management of the Central building (corner Twenty-fourth and Washignton) for providing rooms for this work. Disaster Preparedness First important project of the new year will be launched next Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday when a school for members of the community disaster committee will be conducted, it was reported by A. T. Barrett, chairman. Representatives of the national organization will attend, he said. In reviewing progress of his committee during the past year. Mr. Barrett said the groundwork for a capable organization had been laid, but there was immediate need for additional workers. The disaster group functions to cope with sufferings that could result from a flood, earthquake major fire or other tragedy. First Aid Training Highlights of other reports: Kent S. Bramwell, chairman of the first aid committee, said some 3000 Ogdenites had received instructions in the care of accident victims. Four highway first aid stations are operating in Weber county, he said, and he asked for fifth, to be located in the Ogden ordnance depot vicinity. Major effort of the year ahead: instructions in national defense requirements. After Mr. Bramwell’s report, Dr. Draper made an observation: “Doctors and hospitals are noting that accident victims are arriving at hospitals in better condition as a result of a better trained community.” Mrs. Nina Langford, motor corps chairman, reported bundles and materials for Red Cross purposes in increasingly large amounts were being picked up by her workers. Progress in Schools Mrs. W. Karl Hopkins, chairman of the Junior Red Cross, said Weber county schools boasted a 100 per cent enrollment, including the Ogden high school. She added the children were “paid up” in their dues, showed more interest in Red Cross literature, sent out 286 Christmas boxes to children in Alaska, China, England and the Philippines; 75 Christmas boxes were prepared, and toys for firemen to repair were collected. Mrs. Lynn Overstreet, chairman of home hygiene, said her group was able, through the cooperation W. Karl Hopkins, city school superintendent, in obtaining adult education funds for carrying on hygiene classes. The response to the training, she said, was heartening. A financial report was made by Fred A. Kuhlmann, chapter treasurer. Mrs. Leah Greenwell, executive secretary, limited her remarks to appreciation of the cooperation of chapter members. Minutes of the last meeting were read by Mrs. Leonard Diehl, secretary.