Insurance Against Suffering Supplies Intended to alleviate suffering in case of disaster are being inventoried at the local Red Cross chapter home by Norma Sorensen, left, and Mrs. Leah P. Greenwell. The items include leg and S splints, stretchers, blankets and back splints. 24 Feb 51 When Disaster Strikes – So Does the Red Cross By Bert O. Strand When disaster strikes, so does the Red Cross! But before that, it's often like pulling teeth to get people to ac¬cept and support wholeheartedly the vital services provided by this international organization that reaches into the life of the smallest village or the swankiest- suburban penthouse. "Few persons are even remotely aware of the many services ren¬dered by the Red Cross," said E. La Mar Buckner, chairman of the Weber county 1951 Red Cross fund drive. "Somehow, a recapitulation of the years' work sounds too unlike human nature to be true. But it is," Chairman Buckner said in urging all to, support the annual drive, scheduled to open March 5. "The Red Cross is a fine example of Christian charity in action as all services given by the organiza¬tion are those of aid and comfort and are available to all people," he pointed out. One of Chief Activities One of the chief activities of the Red Cross is in disaster work. Here Red Cross workers have gained recognition for their outstanding aid in time of flood, pestilence and major accidents or catastrophes. Nationally, there were 300 disas¬ters last year. The Red Cross spent $12 million as a result. Al¬though the local chapter is only responsible for disasters effecting' five families or more, over $200 was furnished by the local chapter for clothing, bedding, used fur¬niture and other items to assist a family of nine, burned out by fire. Local chairmen of the disaster committee are A. T. Barrett and C. E. Armstrong. In the home nursing department, 1003 nursing certificates were is¬sued in 1950, to students at Ogden and Weber high schools, the state industrial school and persons in community classes, according to Mrs. E.J.P. Rowse, home nursing chairman. ' ' . .Seeks 700,000 Trainees During the coming year, the Red Cross is asking for 700,000 women to be trained in home nursing as part of the expanding civil de¬fense program. Weber county must do its share to meet this challenge, Buckner stated. A perpetual service of the Red Cross is that of safety. Last, year, 936 first aid certificates Were is¬sued to persons who completed the standard; course. Twenty-one per- I sons became first aid instructors, 701 got water safety certificates and 15 became water safety in¬structors. In addition, hundred water safety instructi pal and school" Polio and spastic youngsters of Weber county were transported to' the Inter- mountain Indian School pool at Brigham City where they were taught to swim. Chairman of the first aid com¬mittee is Dr. Arthur Perkins. Water Safety Chairman is Carl M. Tay¬lor. Myles J.' Watkins, is safety service director. 2216 Service Men Aided The home service department during the year served 2216 active service men and their families, 1496 ex-servicemen and families and 104 civilians. Types of cases handled included, financial assistance, furlough in¬vestigations, consultation and guid-ance, claims and benefits, social histories, health reports and others. Home service chairman is George P. Bowman. The volunteer service is another key link in the chain of services. Headed by Mrs. S. P. Dobbs, this group trains and supplies volunteer workers for every type of duty which may be required in time of disaster or during general Red Cross activities. Other Services Other services given by the Red Cross include canteen service, headed by Mrs. R. B. Porter; pro¬duction committee, headed by Mrs. Joan Emmett; Gray Ladies, chair- maned by Mrs. Harmon Barton; motor corps, headed by Mrs. Mar¬garet Feeny; camp and hospital, chairmaned by Mrs. Dobbs, and the Junior Red Cross, headed by Miss Sarah McCracken for the city and Miss Lue Groesbeck in the county. All the foregoing groups have separate and specific duties to perform in case of disaster or emer¬gency. They are also functioning every day as needed. In addition, the Red Cross main¬tains an up-to-date roster of all registered nurses in the county who would be ready to respond to any call. "We believe these many services to the people of our community are worthwhile and necessary," Chairman Buckner concluded. "We ask your generous cooperation in our forthcoming drive in order that these activities may be con¬tinued."