The American Red Cross of Central and Southwest Oklahoma has joined United Way of Central Oklahoma’s network of community organizations dedicated to improving lives across central Oklahoma.

These partnerships expand United Way’s ability to address critical community needs and connect more individuals and families with the resources they need to thrive.

Many Oklahomans see the Red Cross through its work to help communities prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters. The Red Cross provides food, shelter, relief supplies, emotional comfort, health services, financial assistance and other support to help people in their time of greatest need.

“Thanks to the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors, the Red Cross responds to hundreds of disasters each year in Central Oklahoma. Most of those disasters are home fires,” said Loida Haffener Salmond, Executive Director of the Red Cross of Central and Southwest Oklahoma. “We’re proud to partner with United Way of Central Oklahoma and strengthen our connections to fellow service organizations working to build a stronger, healthier and more compassionate community.”

In addition to emergency response, the Red Cross invests in prevention-focused strategies, including preparedness education and home safety interventions, to reduce future risk and strengthen household resilience.

This program aligns with United Way’s Community Resiliency focus by addressing both the immediate consequences of emergencies and the underlying vulnerabilities that increase Through a coordinated, data-informed approach and strong partnerships with local emergency management agencies, fire departments and community organizations, the Red Cross plays a vital role in ensuring Central Oklahoma communities are prepared for, able to withstand and able to recover from emergencies when they occur.

Partnering for preparedness

The Red Cross has already been working with a fellow new United Way of Central Oklahoma partner: Dress for Success Oklahoma City.

The Red Cross has teamed up with Dress for Success in support of their mission to empower women to achieve economic independence by offering preparedness programs that can help women protect their families and homes against disasters.

"Dress for Success Oklahoma City is proud to partner with the American Red Cross to support women and families throughout our community. Through this partnership, the women we serve gain access to free fire safety and preparedness workshops that equip them with the knowledge and tools to create emergency plans, protect their loved ones and build safer homes,” said Melissa Baez, Director of Programs at Dress for Success Oklahoma City. “Thank you, American Red Cross, for the invaluable work you do for Oklahoma."