Our History

91 Years of Serving Cabarrus County

It all began on April 16, 1917 when a petition for authority to form a chapter was signed by the following list of people from Cabarrus County:

Mrs. Charles Cannon, Chair
Mrs. L.D. Coltrane, Secretary
Mr. H.T. Woodhouse, President-Savings Bank
Mr. L.D. Coltrane, Cashier-National Bank
Mr. Charles Wagoner, President-Citizens Trust Co.
Mr. Joseph Goodman, Druggist
Mr. J.F. Cannon, President-Cotton Mill
Mr. L.T. Hartsell, Barrister
Mrs. W.H. Gorman

The Original chapter charter was issued May 22, 1917.

The earliest reports indicate the interest of the chapter in health services. Nutrition was emphasized with school children during 1920-21.

The Junior Red Cross, under the leadership of Mary W. King, was active in fundraising and providing books for a mill school unable to buy them. Junior Red Cross activity continued with and emphasis in international exchange. At one time, the Cabarrus County Juniors assisted in supporting several French orphans.

In 1920, the Chapter provided financial support for a public health nurse in the county. Later this support was expanded to include a Red Cross car for the public health nurse. Chapter volunteers assisted the nurse in clinics. Classes were started in Home Hygiene and Care of the Sick.

The first reference of First Aid Classes was in May, 1921 when seven certificates were issued for students who passed at the YMCA during 1825 by James W. Denny. Lifesaving classes were held once each week with 570 people taught to swim.

Programs during 1929 included Home Service for war veterans and men in service, Junior Red Cross, First Aid, Lifesaving, Disaster Preparedness and participation in the county health program.

The Chapter disaster committee had a practical demonstration of its use when there was a tornado in the Chapter area in March, 1929. At that time the Disaster Chairman was Mr. Ben White.

The Chapter continued its programs through the years and was merged with the Greater Carolinas Chapter on July 1, 1968. County members were included on the Board of Directors in Charlotte until July 1, 1873. The Cabarrus County Chapter, at that time, regained its own charter as an independent unit and continues to operate und that charter.

During the thirties, the Red Cross took the first step in blood donor recruitment that led to the formation of the present Red Cross Blood Services. 1973 was a record year for Cabarrus County. The first Red Cross Bloodmobile ever was held January 15, 1973 at Cabarrus Memorial Hospital. The program had recruited nearly 200 volunteers, 30 of whom were registered nurses. This was done under the leadership of Mrs. Phyllis Coltrane, Chairman of Volunteers in Cabarrus County.

The American Red Cross, Cabarrus County continues to serve the residents of Cabarrus County and the City of Kannapolis.

Our Emergency Services Program provides immediate assistance to individuals in the event of a disaster, either natural or man-made. Armed Forces Emergency Services provides support to military families and emergency communications between the serviceman or woman and their family. Another important Emergency Service is the education of the public in Disaster Preparedness as well as training volunteers to for disaster assignments, both locally and nationally.

This year our Blood Services Program celebrates is Thirtieth Birthday. Community Blood Drives, sponsored by businesses, schools, churches and community organizations continue the collection of blood in our community. As of 2003 ALL of the High Schools in our community sponsors two blood drives a year.

Our Health and Safety Services program continues to provide the most up-to-date American Red Cross training and certifications in CPR, First Aid and AED. Lifeguarding classes are held each spring. This summer babysitting classes are being held as part of the Cabarrus County 4-H Club’s “Summer Fling” program. The Red Cross provides health and safety education to schools, day cares and community organizations and at community events.

Volunteers are the driving force of the Red Cross. Our leadership is provided by the Board of Directors, all volunteers. Volunteers help staff the office, serve on Disaster Action Teams, assist at blood drives, help with Armed Forces Emergency Services Emergency Communications and provide Health and Safety instruction. It times of disaster such at the 9-11 terrorist attack Red Cross volunteers make it possible for this chapter to continue to provide not only all of the Red Cross services to our community, but support of programs and appeals at the National level. With the support and leadership of our volunteers and our community, the American Red Cross, Cabarrus County will continue with its mission –