By Public Affairs Volunteer Kristina MacEachern

The Northern Chapter of the American Red Cross has relocated its office in Traverse City to a more centrally located building just off South Airport Road. The address is 2240 W. South Airport Road. It’s about three miles from the previous location on Garfield Street.

Michelle Gallagher, executive director of the Northern Chapter, said the layout of the new location affords more room for accommodating meetings and staff and volunteer training.

“We’re really excited about this new location and the visibility it creates for the Red Cross,” Gallagher said.The Red Cross provides services in 28 counties in the Northern Michigan Chapter including much of the Upper Peninsula. These include disaster, blood, first aid training, volunteer services and helping members of the military, veterans and their family members.

Members of the disaster action team respond to more than 250 home fires annually across the Northern Chapter and provide comfort and care to people who are displaced by a fire. To reduce fire-related injuries and fatalities, the Red Cross installs free smoke alarms and teaches families about home fire safety.

“Every second counts when there’s a home fire,” Gallagher said. “Having working smoke alarms in your home can cut the risk of dying in a home fire by 50 percent.”One way for people to give back and support the Red Cross is through volunteering. The Red Cross workforce comprises 90 percent of volunteers who make it possible to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit redcross.org/volunteer or stop by the Northern Chapter’s office.

“Our volunteers are true community heroes who care for people in need every day,” Gallagher said. “You can make a difference in someone’s life.”