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March 2007                                                                            Volume 12 - Number 3

Voluntary Agencies Update...

Update on the Red Cross Chapter System Reorganization
By Jennifer Smoak

Background:
The American Red Cross (hereafter referred to as the Red Cross), the only individual charity mandated by the United States federal government, is a humanitarian organization offering non-discriminatory relief during times of disaster and national calamity, in both peace and war times.  With efforts supported by paid staff and volunteers, Red Cross assistance includes helping people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.  It also is responsible for one-half of the nation's blood supply and blood products.

Discussion:
In recent years the Red Cross has come under intense criticism for its handling of disasters.  In the wake of the 2005 Hurricane Season that included Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma, the Red Cross proposed a controversial overhaul of what some considered an antiquated and sprawling chapter system.   Historically chapters have been staffed, managed and raised resources locally, but this resulted in chapters located in poorer parts of the country tending to be smaller and with less access to needed resources than chapters located in wealthier areas.  Some critics postulate the weak chapter structure of the Gulf Coast contributed to the Red Cross’ failure post-Hurricane Katrina and in subsequent hurricanes.  

In an effort to more efficiently and effectively meet the mission of universal service delivery, and reduce administrative costs, the Red Cross implemented a ‘hub and spoke’ chapter reorganization that administratively realigns roughly 600 smaller chapters under some 200 larger units.   The author was unable to find much about the progress of the reorganization, other than reports of disgruntlement by some smaller chapters when the restructuring was first announced and a June 27, 2006 Washington Post article that reported the reorganization was expected to be completed by summer 2007.   The author can not help but wonder if the lack of reporting is due to a lack of public interest in the current non-disaster environment or if there are implementation troubles the Red Cross is working to overcome without the additional burden of public scrutiny

While not related to Red Cross chapter system restructuring, it is most interesting to take note of a recent Department of Homeland Security Press release that states the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) will assume command and control over all parts of the Emergency Support Function (ESF) #6, including mass care.   Historically the Red Cross has managed the mass care function, not FEMA.  The press release states while the Red Cross will continue to serve as a liaison to FEMA and provide support, coordination and technical support for federal mass care activities, ultimately it will be FEMA’s responsibility to ensure an emergency response plan.  This change comes at a time when both organizations are restructuring; it will be interesting to watch how the change is implemented, and the impact on mass care service delivery.   

Salmon, Jacqueline L. Chapter Overhaul Adds to Red Cross Turmoil, Washington Post.
June 27, 2006. Page A12.  http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/26/AR2006062601163.html