It was during the 1930's that the relief functions of the Red Cross were most critical. Drought, depression, and dust impoverished millions of people. Red Cross nurses designed and supervised the making of dust masks to protect residents from pneumonia and other dust-caused diseases.
When World War II began in 1941, the Red Cross was in action again. Specially trained Red Cross volunteer nurse aids took over chores in hospitals left undone when nurses were called into the Armed Services. In 1947 mobile blood units began touring Nebraska stopping in communities at regularly designated times. The Blood Bank Program was instituted during World War II by the Red Cross to provide supplies of life giving blood to soldiers.
At about the same time, 1943, the Chapter moved to permanent quarters in the Union Pacific Station and remained there until the building was to be demolished. At this time the offices were moved to the Veterans Administration Hospital grounds until the tornado of 1980. The 1980 Grand Island Tornadoes presented a tremendous challenge to the Hall County Red Cross. They were declared a National Disaster, so volunteers and materials were sent from National Headquarters to assist local staff and volunteers.
Between 1980 and 1985, the Chapter moved to five different homes. On June 9, 1985 the new building was opened at Third and Oak Streets.
In the Spring of 1994, Hall and Hamilton County representatives met to discuss merging. Over 40 volunteers were involved in the decision making process. On March 15, 1995, after approval of the National Board of Governors, the Central Plains Chapter became a reality.
1996 was a year of change. The Midwest Region Blood Services partnered with the Central Plains Chapter and became a tenant of the Chapter to better fill the emergency blood needs of the region. Bloodmobiles previously held for 4 days every quarter, were now offered weekly in the community.
In 2000, an alliance was formed between Nebraska and South Dakota Red Cross and was called NAKOTA. In 2001, an agreement was made between the Central Plains Chapter and NAKOTA. This agreement outlined the surrounding counties of Sherman, Howard, Merrick and Greeley as an informal part of the Central Plains jurisdiction bringing the Central Plains territory to 6 counties.
Due to the increasing need for blood and blood products, the Chapter bloodmobiles became daily mobiles in October 2001. The volunteer base was successfully increased to handle this frequent activity.
September 2003 brought more responsibility as the Central Plains Chapter became the custodial chapter for Antelope County. This CSDU (Certified Service Delivery Unit) agreement outlined that Antelope county Red Cross volunteers would continue providing emergency services within their county and the Central Plains Chapter would provide oversight, governance and record keeping for all activities.
With the rapid growth experienced since 1996, the Chapter was faced with a severe space shortage. A feasibility study was performed in the spring of 2004, showing support for the documented need for renovation and expansion to the current facility. Thanks to the generosity of the community in making a successful one million dollar Capital Campaign, ground was broke on March 1, 2006. The Chapter officially moved to the new East Wing on Friday, October 7, 2006 while the Midwest Blood Region fully inhabited the West Wing.
In 2007-2008 the Central Plains Chapter joined forces with Red Cross units. The Mid Rivers Unit joined the Central Plains chapter covering Adams, Clay, Nuckolls and Webster Counties. The Southwest Unit jurisdiction of Red Willow and Furnas counties also joined the Central Plains umbrella. Antelope County has been an asset to our area for several years as well. Each of these areas brings a strong volunteer leadership team to the chapter.
