PATRICK KEENA

Patrick Keena began his voluntary service with the American Red Cross as a First Aid and CPR instructor in April 1979 in Colorado. He has made service to the Red Cross a part of his life as he has changed residences, including his current home of Lexington, Kentucky. In spring 1997, he joined the Bluegrass Area Chapter of the Red Cross. Since his start in Lexington, he has donated 4,660 hours in both Disaster Services and Health and Safety Services.

Through his hard work and dedication, Keena has proved to be an integral part in the development and implementation of our local Disaster Plan. This plan is the model for all Kentucky Red Cross Chapters. As a result of his efforts, retention of disaster volunteers has been at an all-time high. The local Disaster Action Team has taken form under his leadership. Since he is a Disaster Instructor, the Red Cross has increased the number of courses taught at the Bluegrass Chapter.

As the Disaster Action Team Captain, Keena has motivated local disaster volunteers to move into action. He has established a six-month training calendar for disaster volunteers. He and his wife have developed a phone tree to encourage volunteer participation in both disaster activities and courses. He is the first responder to local disasters, such as single-family fire victims. Keena also acts as a Disaster Caseworker. Responsibilities for this position range from working with local victims of disaster to working with victims of national disasters. Keena has also assisted with many presentations in the community for both disaster preparedness and safety related issues.

Last year, Keena taught 160 students in Health & Safety courses and trained 64 volunteers to serve in times of disaster. He teaches both Disaster Preparedness and First Aid and CPR. He has been indispensable in the development of the call to action for the local Red Cross during disasters, a plan that has become a model for other Kentucky chapters. He has the leadership abilities to recruit and motivate other volunteers and paid staff.

It is virtually impossible to give a specific number of people that Keena has impacted through his disaster relief work because of the scope of his service. He serves as a disaster relief worker not only locally, but also on the state, regional and national levels.