The American Red Cross is looking to restructure its presence nationwide by merging some of its smaller chapters, which could mean the closure of some in the region.
A recent memo from Red Cross leadership indicates that the non-profit humanitarian organization providing emergency assistance, disaster relief and health education will be undergoing a transformation to create a stronger and more cost-efficient Red Cross by 2017. The plan includes consolidating smaller chapters into larger ones to cover a greater geographic area.
Kentucky has 13 Red Cross chapters with locations in Lexington, Frankfort, and Louisville.
Communications Director for the Kentucky Region, Amber Youngblood, says she couldn't say which Kentucky chapters specifically were set to close.
"For any and all chapters, many discussions have been had with local community partners, and board members and division leadership to best see what we can allocate and what can do best moving forward," said Youngblood. "Right now the plans are underway but there has been no final organizational decision that has been reached at this time for the chapters across the state in Kentucky."
She says that even if certain local chapters were to close, a strong focus on community and volunteer coordination would still be present.
"Regardless of if a brick and mortar site exists or may not exist we still will have local volunteers in Calloway County," said Youngblood. "Volunteers play a very key role and we have a strong core of volunteers in Calloway County but we look to grow that number in the community in the months ahead as well as provide new opportunities for those in the community to get on board and help the Red Cross as well."
Youngblood says decisions on whether to close some chapters may come before the end of the calendar year.
