Letter from Tennessee River Executive Director, Katy Hagstrom - July 2018

The American Red Cross operates on a fiscal year cycle from July 1 through June 30. This means we are currently kicking off a new year, and what better way to celebrate than to share accomplishments from the previous year and goals for the coming months.

In Fiscal year 2018, the Tennessee River Chapter provided more services to more people and expanded our reach across the twelve counties we serve. In-kind donations from community businesses, which were facilitated through the Red Cross and back to first responders and clients, nearly tripled in the 2018 Fiscal year, meaning more first responders could effectively accomplish their mission. And of course, we couldn’t have achieved this without our growing volunteer base.  In FY18, volunteers of the Tennessee River Chapter dedicated over 40,000 hours to the mission and educating themselves on how to respond when needed.

Moving into Fiscal year 2019, we have set lofty goals to continue serving our chapter coverage area. Dates have been set for upcoming Home Fire Preparedness Campaigns in Montgomery County on July 21, Stewart County on August 18, and Lawrence County on September 8. The Tennessee River Chapter Board of Directors is working diligently to facilitate blood drives in the community and increase awareness of the five lines of service the American Red Cross provides; disaster, biomedical, services to the armed forces, health and safety, and international services.  As always, we will continue to train and stand ready for when we are needed most.

On behalf of the Tennessee River Chapter, we look forward to to working with you in the 2019 Fiscal Year!