American Red Cross representative asks Berkeley County to declare March Red Cross Month

Josh Mongold, board chair for the American Red Cross Greater Shenandoah Valley chapter, addressed the Berkeley County Commission on March 13 to request that the county declare March as Red Cross Month and to outline local Red Cross activity.

Mongold said his chapter covers a multi-county region including Berkeley County and described rising disaster demand: the Red Cross responded on average to three natural disasters per year in 1980, he said, compared with 27 responses last year and a projection to double that number this year. He also highlighted local services: last year in Berkeley County the chapter collected nearly 900 units of blood, assisted about 20 families who experienced a disaster, installed roughly 20 smoke alarms, provided more than 140 services to military veterans and trained nearly 900 people in lifesaving skills.

Mongold noted the ongoing need for blood donations and volunteers and said the chapter is expanding its local board and outreach. He provided a printed proclamation to county staff and signaled willingness to meet with the commission or staff to finalize the recognition.

Commission responses: Commissioners thanked Mongold and several county leaders praised the Red Cross’s role after fires and other emergencies, noting fast response by Red Cross personnel and cooperation with local fire departments and emergency management.

Next steps: Mongold said he provided a copy of the proclamation to county staff; county staff indicated they would process the document and return it to him. No formal vote on the proclamation was recorded in the meeting minutes.