Reflections on 2020
Happy New Year,
As one of the longest and most challenging years of our lives draws to a close - with the promise of a vaccine offset by the gravity of staggering infection rates and devastating loss of loved ones - I would like to take a moment to reflect on the amazing resilience of our Red Cross partners.
The Red Cross, born of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield, endeavors to prevent and alleviate human suffering on a global scale. As all of us can attest, there has been no shortage of human suffering in 2020. However, it is in these dark times that the passion and tenacity of Red Crossers shine the brightest.
To this end, I want to acknowledge all
who have enabled the continuance of our mission this year. Thank you to the
staff who have risen to every challenge that COVID has presented - from
creating physically distanced emergency shelters and delivering no-contact
meals, to developing nationwide antibody testing and producing an entirely new
blood product in convalescent plasma. Thank you to our amazing volunteers who
have - throughout the pandemic - deployed to areas ravaged by hurricanes and
wildfires, staffed blood drives, responded to house fires, and supported
veterans. Thank you to our corporate partners and financial supporters, who
continued to acknowledge the value of supporting the Red Cross. And of course,
thank you to our blood donors and blood drive sponsors who helped us to secure
the nation’s blood supply and recover from critical shortages experienced in
the spring.
Indeed, as we reflect on 2020, it is
important to look beyond tragedy and hardship and to recognize the tremendous
resilience displayed by our region. This was evidenced by the leadership of our
governors and public health officials, and by all government workers who
continued to execute the business of governing amid numerous challenges. It was
exemplified by our healthcare workers, who unflinchingly stepped into the
breach to combat this novel virus, and our educators and students who met the
challenges of remote, hybrid and in-person learning. So too, by our essential
workers who made quarantine living possible, and by everyone who has been
negatively affected by this pandemic.
We are proud of the Northern New
England Region and our Red Cross sponsors, donors, staff and volunteers who
have persevered through this pandemic. While it may be far from over, the end
is in sight, and we have demonstrated that we have the determination and
fortitude to see this through. As we navigate a physically distant holiday
season, please be safe and well, and appreciate all that we have accomplished
and endured.
On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Red Cross Northern New England Region,
Chair Regional CEO
New Hampshire Board of Directors Northern New England Red Cross
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