San Antonio, TX, February 29, 2024 - The American Red Cross Greater San Antonio Chapter proudly announces the launch of its groundbreaking community initiative, "Ready Communities." This program aims to address the unique needs of an underserved and vulnerable population, focusing its efforts on fostering community resilience in the City of Balcones Heights.

"We are thrilled to join forces with Mayor de Leon and the City of Balcones Heights for this groundbreaking initiative," stated Dr. Daniel P. Martinez, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Greater San Antonio Chapter. "This partnership underscores our commitment to alleviating human suffering and enhancing community resilience."

Why Balcones Heights? Balcones Heights faces significant challenges, including a high rate of home fires, which has seen a recent uptick, aligning with the objectives of the American Red Cross Home Fire Campaign. This campaign aims to save lives by installing free smoke alarms in homes lacking them and educating individuals on home fire safety.

"Given Balcones Heights' central location in Bexar County and its approximately 3,000 residents, it became evident that our community would serve as the ideal setting for the Ready Communities pilot program," stated City of Balcones Heights Mayor Suzanne de Leon. "We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the American Red Cross for their proactive initiative in providing invaluable fire safety education outreach, free smoke alarm installations, and other essential services to our community. We are excited to contribute to the expansion of these crucial services and are honored to build upon this important initiative."

In partnership with Balcones Heights, the American Red Cross is committed to making a lasting and positive impact on the lives of residents, aligning with its mission to alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies. Planned initiatives for the upcoming year include the installation of free smoke alarms, provision of home fire safety education and prevention, disaster preparedness training, addressing the needs of the veteran population within the city, and more.

Event Details:

What: American Red Cross Greater Sab Antonio Chapter Ready Communities press launch featuring remarks from Dr. Daniel P. Martinez, Executive Director; Mayor Suzanne de Leon, City of Balcones Heights to discuss the partnership. The event will conclude with remarks from Texas Senator José Menéndez and Bexar County Judge, Peter Sakai, announcing American Red Cross Month proclamations.

Where: Balcones Heights City Hall, 3300 Hillcrest Dr, San Antonio, TX 78201

When: Monday, March 4, pre-reception at 5:30 p.m. and press conference at 6:00 p.m.

Who: American Red Cross Greater San Antonio Chapter, Texas Senator, County Judge, and City of Balcones Heights

In addition to the briefing, the chapter invites the community to attend an Open House on Wednesday, March 20, from 4 – 6 p.m. at the Greater San Antonio Chapter office, 3642 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78219.

The Greater San Antonio Chapter of the American Red Cross serves Atascosa, Bexar, Comal, Dimmit, Frio, Gonzales, Guadalupe, Karnes, La Salle, Webb, Wilson, Zapata, and Zavala counties.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.