(ARC) — Monday, Oct. 9, 2023, marks the 45th anniversary of the NMI Chapter of the American Red Cross.
Authorized in 1978 by the Washington, D.C. Board of Governors and concurred by then-President of the United States Jimmy Carter, the NMI Chapter began its 45-year journey of preventing and alleviating human suffering in the face of emergencies.
With initial assistance from the already established Guam Chapter, a local NMI board was selected and appointed Gilbert C. Ada as its first chair.
In 1986, after a reorganization plan was implemented, a new 6-member Board of Directors was chosen and led by then-Senator Juan “Pan” Guerrero.
Chairman Guerrero initiated the construction of a Chapter headquarters in an old WW II building near the Saipan International Airport.
Over the years countless dedicated volunteers have responded and helped the CNMI through every natural disaster that has impacted the Commonwealth.
Whether providing food and shelter to families impacted by Super Typhoon Kim in 1986, providing emergency supplies during Typhoon Wilda, Zelda, Keith, Chata’an, or financial assistance in the aftermath of Typhoon Soudelor, Yutu and Mawar, the NMI Red Cross has been a beacon of light in the darkness, providing hope to those in need.
The Chapter and its services are built on a foundation of volunteers and community support.
There has been an exceptional level of selfless contributions by so many that have enabled the Red Cross to make a difference here in the Commonwealth.
NMI volunteers also responded to New York City during 911, Hurricanes’ Hugo, Sandy, Katrina, Maria and Ian.
Thanks to successful fundraising activities like Club 200 and the Walkathon, the NMI community has empowered the NMI Chapter to carry out its humanitarian mission locally or around the nation.
While disaster preparedness and response are at the core of Red Cross activities, the NMI chapter also actively supports many other critical programs.
These include CPR/First Aid and lifeguard certification, Learn to Swim, fire prevention, volunteer and youth engagement as well as crisis support for military service members and their families which includes training on International Humanitarian Law.
The Chapter has had a long proud history of collaborating with the federal and local government as well as other nonprofit organizations.
These key partnerships have enabled the Red Cross to better help vulnerable and underserved families.
Red Cross disaster services have been and will always be available for free to everyone throughout the CNMI.
For more information, visit redcross.org/nmi or call the NMI Chapter office at (670) 234-3459.
Exemplary services
Said Juan Pan Guerrero, Founding Board member: “Our chapter will stand another 45 years or more. Congratulations to all the staff and volunteers of our chapters for exemplary services in the making of these 45 years.”
Jocelyn Deleon Guerrero, Past Board Chair, said: “I ‘heart’ the Red Cross! You never know when you and your family will need to prepare for an emergency.”
For Jean Lourdes Sablan, an Honorary Board Member: “The many selfless volunteers and management of the American Red Cross these past 31 years since I became a volunteer, have only increased my pride in being part of this organization. It’s given me purpose to carry on and with my remaining years, continue to serve our community and beyond.”
According to Glenn Policare, Lifeguard Instructor Trainer: “The NMI Red Cross team of leaders and volunteers showed me the importance and the true meaning of community.”
