Tami Goodstein, a logistics specialist for preparedness health and safety service at the American Red Cross in Springfield, right, explains some of the programs available from the organization to, Charles Dunlap, left, Southwick Emergency Management director, Peter J. Miller, a board of director for the Greater Westfield Chapter of the American Red Cross, Maura McCarthy, representing State Senator Donald Humason Jr., and Shayvonne Jackson, representative for Ben Swan, during a legislative breakfast this morning. (Photo by Frederick Gore)
SPRINGFIELD – The American Red Cross played host to several members of the western Massachusetts legislative body, including Montgomery’s Rep. Peter Kocot (D-Northampton) this morning as it hosted a legislative breakfast to raise awareness for the organization’s mission.
On hand and playing an active role in the event were several members of the Red Cross’ Greater Westfield chapter.
“There will be times when we need their support,” said Rich Rubin, director of the Greater Westfield chapter, of the state’s elected officials. “During times of disasters we work very closely with legislators, so they need to know what we do and how we do it and connect a name and a face, so when there’s a disaster or an issue, we need them to know what the Red Cross is all about.”
Westfield Community Development Director Peter Miller was on hand in his capacity as Vice Chairman of the Greater Westfield chapter.
“The four western counties were represented today, and it’s important to continue to show the legislators the different variety of work that the Red Cross does,” said Miller, who started serving on the board three years ago. “You’ll read newspaper stories saying the Red Cross was on the scene at a fire, but the stories about the personal effect (the Red Cross) has regarding blood services, military services, that tends to fly under the radar. It’s important for us to share those services with those in government.”
“We’ve moved. We’ve done a lot of consolidation, but I think a lot of it has helped to make it more mission-driven, and to make sure that we’re putting more money toward services,” he said. “It’s a new Red Cross.”
Douglas Rossi, the Greater Westfield Chapter chairman, came into the organization at the same time as Miller, and concurred with his colleague on the ever important mission of the Red Cross.
“There are so many things that the Red Cross does that people don’t know about,” he said. “There’s a disaster – we’re there. If there’s a fire, we help the family thats been displaced. But they don’t know about the training, the jobs that are created (because of the training), the behind-the-scenes things that occur on a day-to-day basis.”
The Town of Southwick was also represented, as Charles Dunlap, the emergency management director and emergency response coordinator, was on hand.
“It solidifies a partnership,” he said. “On the disaster response, the sheltering that is required, I see the other participants, its a good team concept.”
When asked about the Red Cross presence in his town, which also assists the Connecticut communities of Granby and Suffield, Dunlap believes the organization’s role in Southwick is of the utmost importance.
“I would say they take it for granted that the Red Cross is there and they don’t realize it until the time of need,” said Dunlap, who is also the emergency coordinator for Hampden County. “As an emergency coordinator, I need to be able to know the people that we work with in a time of need.”
Anyone interested in learning more about the American Red Cross’ Greater Westfield chapter can visit their website at www.redcross.org/ma/westfield.
