UGA Red Cross Club promotes Health and Safety

By Jeff Taylor, Executive Director

This year the UGA Red Cross Club hit many new benchmarks for service delivery and fundraising.  Under the leadership of the Club’s President, Sam Craig, and his team of Executive Board members, the Club grew in numbers and scope through five major committees: Blood Services, Services to Armed Forces, Disaster Services, Health and Safety, and Fundraising.  In a very short period of time the UGA Red Cross Club has become the benchmark for all Red Cross Clubs on other university campuses.

One of many great accomplishments this year for the Club came out of the Health and Safety Committee.  In late March, 90 club members were trained in Citizens CPR.  During the past academic year, 15 members were certified in CPR/First Aid and are now “paying forward” their certification by volunteering for many community events such as all home football games in Sanford Stadium as First Aid responders.  Additionally, Health and Safety members have been traveling to area schools to teach children in health and safety preparedness.

Over the course of the last six weeks these club members have gone to various elementary and pre-k schools in the district to teach the WHALE Tales community awareness program for water safety.

Health and Safety Co-Chair, Manik Choudhary, reflects on his time in the elementary schools. Manik stated, “The children were attentive and engaged as they actively learned using activities and competition. These programs help avert disaster and potential dangers in their lives as the summer months arrive and most children will be spending time in pools, water parks, beaches, lakes etc.”

The UGA Red Cross Club has very aggressive plans for the upcoming academic year.  As just one example of their leadership and visionary strength, the Fundraising Committee for the Club has set a goal of raising $150,000!  This is a stretch from the new benchmark of $68,502 set this year.  Working with these students is not only an honor but it is a good way to stay young and active….just trying to keep up with them.