Media Contact: Jenna Schrader
(469) 632-4865 | jenna.schrader@redcross.org
TYLER, TEXAS - FEB. 13, 2024 — Two American Red Cross East Texas chapters are merging to enhance service delivery during disasters ranging from home fires to tornadoes.
The new chapter will be known as the American Red Cross East Texas Chapter and combine the previous East Texas and Northeast Texas chapters. Effective February 1, the new East Texas Chapter will support 1.9 million people (about twice the population of South Dakota) across 29 counties in Texas, including Anderson, Bowie, Camp, Cass, Cherokee, Delta, Ellis, Fannin, Franklin, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Hopkins, Hunt, Kaufman, Lamar, Marion, Morris, Navarro, Panola, Rains, Red River, Rusk, Smith, Titus, Upshur, Van Zandt and Wood counties, and Miller County in Arkansas.
The new larger chapter will continue to operate offices in Tyler, Texarkana, Longview and Paris.
“Helping to alleviate human suffering is what our volunteers do and with the new chapter, I think we will be better able to respond to our community needs,” said East Texas Chapter Executive Director Karen Holt. “This consolidation represents a significant step forward for the East Texas Chapter and the residents that live here.”
By merging the two chapters, the Red Cross is building a stronger foundation to provide support during large-scale disasters, facilitate more effective information sharing with local partners and empower residents in East Texas and beyond.
Red Cross East Texas Chapter Executive Director Karen Holt leads the volunteer organization in its efforts to help those in need. She joined the Red Cross in 2022 and has more than 20 years of experience serving communities in East Texas. Originally from Henderson, Texas, Holt now lives in Diana, Texas, in Upshur County. She has three children—Haleigh, Addison, and Claire.
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.