In July, the Bluegrass Area Chapter held our 26th Annual Disaster Blaster, raising more than $500,000 for Red Cross community programs.

In August, heavy storms and flooding impacted communities throughout Eastern Kentucky. Red Crossers from around the state and across the country responded to provide comfort and support to people in need.

Red Cross volunteers across the Kentucky Region visited communities to help install free smoke alarms and make homes safer as part of our Sound the Alarm events.

Attending Kentucky State University (KSU), an Historically Black College and University (HBCU), Mikayla managed the recruitment of blood donors for the Red Cross KSU blood drive.

In March, volunteers from chapters across the Kentucky Region responded to severe weather that impacted multiple communities throughout Kentucky.

Volunteer leaders across the Kentucky Region gathered during the month of April at open houses held at each chapter. We are so appreciative of their hard work and dedication they show for the Red Cross mission and for their communities every single day.

Volunteers at Fort Knox gathered to recognized volunteers for their outstanding service. Denise McGillen and Amanda “Amy” Grimm, were presented with the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award by Steve Cunanan, American Red Cross Kentucky Region CEO.

We celebrated the rebuilding and upgrading of our Louisville office, which also serves as our region headquarters. Our new building will not only be a space for staff, volunteers and donors, but will also act as a gathering spot for our community.

After surviving two cardiac arrests thanks to the quick action and compassion of strangers, Jeff knows firsthand the importance of being CPR trained: "I tell people to learn CPR, because the life you save may be mine.”

John was a federal agent with the Department of Health and Human Services for 25 years and served as an air marshal for 5 months after 9/11. After he retired, he decided to get involved as a volunteer.

Volunteering for a little over a year, Lisa is motivated to answer the call. She is a retired nurse where most of her time was spent helping emergency services. She enjoyed the fast-paced work of helping people in the middle of a crisis.

Helen has deployed to national disasters and has responded locally to help with single and multifamily fires in Hopkins County. Helen has volunteered more than 1,100 hours in various volunteer roles with the Red Cross.