WOODMEN OF THE WORLD/OMAHA WOODMEN LIFE INSURANCE SOCIETY

Woodmen of the World/Omaha Woodmen Life Insurance Society is dedicated to helping people when disaster strikes, as seen through Woodmen’s Disaster Relief program with the American Red Cross. The innovative program encourages local Woodmen lodges to volunteer with their local Red Cross chapters and provides support for Red Cross relief efforts across the nation.

“We are pleased to work with such an outstanding institution as the American Red Cross, which has long been regarded as the world’s foremost disaster relief organization,” said Woodmen President James Mounce.

In June 1998, Woodmen signed an agreement with the American Red Cross to provide disaster relief to people and communities nationwide. The Woodmen/Red Cross program brings together the people and resources of two organizations who share a commitment to help people in time of need.

Nationwide, Woodmen has 1,500 members certified by the American Red Cross serving on 150 Disaster Action Teams. Team members receive training from their local Red Cross chapters and, once certified, are on-call to respond to a number of disaster situations, such as floods, fires and hurricanes.

In addition to the volunteer efforts of the Disaster Action Teams, Woodmen provides vehicles, equipment and supplies to assist in disaster relief efforts across the nation. Woodmen also coordinates the use of its youth summer camps and lodge halls as Red Cross training sites and temporary shelters.

“By taking part in Disaster Action Teams and through their support of local Red Cross chapters, Woodmen members are making a great impact on the lives of those in need,” said John Clizbe, American Red Cross Vice President of Disaster Services. “I salute their fraternal spirit and the important contributions they make.”

In November 2000, former American Red Cross President and CEO Dr. Bernadine Healy visited Woodmen’s Home Office and met with Society officer to discuss ways to expand the program. At its National Convention in July 2001, Woodmen presented the American Red Cross with 33 automatic emergency defibrillators for use in emergency situations across the nation.

Through the commitment of its members, Woodmen is pleased to support the American Red Cross and help people when disaster strikes.