On
June 19, 1917, the Jackson Area Chapter received its charter as a
chapter of the American National Red Cross. Once known as the
McClaran chapter after Dr. James McClaran, the chapter served
only Madison County. Inspired by Red Cross service while in the
French Army, during 1915-1916, Dr. McClaran brought the need for training volunteers
in war service vividly to a group of leading citizens of
Jackson.
1915-1916
1945
Dr.
McClaran taught two Red Cross First Aid Classes and assisted
in other Red Cross activities. Men and women became
interested in organizing a chapter in Jackson. Authority
was granted June 19, 1917.
The
Chapter's first location was in the Nance Building on Liberty
Street and later moved to a permanent location in the basement
of the Carnegie Building in October 1917. The Home Services
Department was located in the Pythian Building and became the
official Veteran’s transition group location.
In
1957, the Highland Avenue Church of Christ donated the church
building at 718 N. Highland Avenue to the Chapter, which served
the Jackson area community for 47 years.
THEN
718 N. Highland Avenue
In June
of 2004, the Jackson Area Chapter outgrew its former facility
at 718 N. Highland Ave and relocated temporarily to 1981 Hollywood Drive,
Suite 100. The old facility location at 718 N. Highland
was nostalgic and historic, but was inadequate for numerous
reasons. The facility on Hollywood Drive greatly benefited
the Jackson Area Community by enlarging the chapter's capacity to respond more effectively to disasters.
NOW
212
N. Highland Ave, Suite
240
Today,
the Chapter is located at 212 N. Highland Ave, Suite
240 in the heart of downtown Jackson and serves the families and communities of Madison,
Carroll, Chester, Crockett, Decatur, Gibson, Hardeman,
Haywood, Henderson and Henry Counties.
Mission
The Jackson
Area Chapter of the American Red Cross, a humanitarian
organization led by volunteers and guided by its Congressional
Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross
Movement, will provide relief to victims of disaster and help
people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.
Governance:
The Jackson Area Chapter has a variety of qualified
leaders in place to help us achieve total diversity of
programs and services. We are governed by a local Board of Directors
with a diverse mix of professional expertise, experience,
and cultural backgrounds. Our Board of Directors, Paid and
Volunteer Staff are working diligently to ensure that we
bring quality disaster relief and excellent health and
safety education to our diverse population.
