Elements of the Chapter's 92-member volunteer Disaster Action Team (DAT) are on call 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year.

Emergency Social Services Through the Energy Assistance Program (EAP) the Red Cross helps people pay their utility bills and disperses funds through Omaha Public Power Districts (OPPD) Energy Assistance Program.

Emergency Food Pantry  Each year, the Pantry feeds people and families in need. The Red Cross Emergency Food Pantry operates when other metro area pantries are closed. In fiscal 1999-2000, we fed 6,458 people from 2,160 families.

Armed Forces Emergency Services  The Red Cross provides emergency communication and assistance to members of the military and their families. We are a vital around-the-clock communication link for military families facing hardship due to separation. By providing information during an emergency such as illness, death or birth, the Red Cross keeps families in touch.

International Tracing Services  These world-wide services are available to people in the community who have been separated from their family members by war, civil disturbances, natural disasters and other calamities. Inquiries are forwarded to Red Cross national headquarters and sent to the appropriate Red Cross personnel overseas.

Health and Safety Services  Health and safety training courses include CPR, First Aid, Automated External Defribillator (AED) Training, Lifeguard Training, Swimming, SafeCare for Kids Training for Child Care Providers and Workplace Programs. Red Cross courses are taught throughout the community by authorized Red Cross instructors. A comprehensive training schedule is available each quarter.

HIV/AIDS Education  The Red Cross is a source of factual and unbiased educational materials and training that seek to reduce the risk of HIV/AIDS transmission and increase compassion for people suffering from the disease. Four curriculums are available: Basic, African American, Hispanic and Workplace.

Youth Safety Training  Courses like CPR, Babysitting Basics, Basic Aid Training (BAT), First Aid for Children Today (FACT), WHALE Tales and 'Til Help Arrives are available for young people or groups interested in providing training for children.

Human Resources and Office of Volunteers The Volunteer Office manages recruitment, recognition and training of Red Cross volunteers. Volunteer Red Cross staff nationwide is about 1.5 million. The total in Heartland Chapter is more than 1,505. Heartland Chapter Red Cross volunteers contribute time valued at approximately $449,000 each year.