Representatives of the American Red Cross of Northern California presented to the Red Bluff City Council on June 17 to describe the chapter’s preparedness, response and recovery services and to recruit volunteers and local partnerships.

Katie Minnelledi, executive director for the American Red Cross of Northern California, said the chapter covers a broad region and relies on volunteers for roughly 90 percent of its workforce. Minnelledi summarized the chapter’s mission: “The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.”

Disaster program manager Mara Rouse and volunteer recruitment manager Michelle Lockwood described local programs. Rouse detailed the disaster‑cycle work — preparedness, response and recovery — and emphasized free community programs the Red Cross offers, including hands‑only CPR training and the Home Fire Campaign (Sound the Alarm), which installs free smoke alarms and, when needed, bed‑shakers to assist people with functional needs.

The presenters said the chapter currently does not operate a fixed blood‑donation site or mobile blood bus in the immediate area but expects mobile units to visit the region within a year or two; in the meantime they encouraged residents to use the nearest donation center in Yuba City. The Red Cross also described financial‑assistance, sheltering and recovery services it provides after flooding and other emergencies.

Council members and staff thanked the presenters and discussed local collaboration opportunities for smoke‑alarm campaigns and volunteer recruitment. The Red Cross left contact information and materials for council and staff.