Gregorio Sablan: “As we celebrate American Red Cross Month, I would like to pay particular tribute to the Northern Mariana Islands Chapter…”

“As we celebrate American Red Cross Month, I would like to pay particular tribute to the Northern Mariana Islands Chapter of the American Red Cross for the leading role it plays in responding to disasters large and small and in providing vital health and safety services in our islands. Our small community has been blessed since 1978 with an exceptionally active and effective local Red Cross chapter. With just four staff members and 150 volunteers, the Northern Mariana Islands chapter last year provided financial assistance to 26 families who suffered house fires or localized flooding, facilitated emergency communications between 154 servicemembers and their families, provided community disaster preparedness materials to over 3,700 individuals, and trained over 2,300 students in courses on CPR, first aid, lifeguarding, and swimming. The Northern Mariana Islands Chapter of the American Red Cross is an integral part of the Commonwealth community, a leader in health and safety training, and an invaluable partner in helping people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. We thank them for their work.”