RED CROSS Lawrence, Beaver chapters to join forces

The ARC used to have nearly 3,000 chapters in the 1990s.
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Few outward changes should be noticeable in the recent merger of the Lawrence and Beaver County American Red Cross chapters.
The groups got word earlier this month that a proposed merger was approved by national American Red Cross officials.
Area Red Cross officials have said the merger would be an administrative one, combining financial reports and other office duties. They started the merger process late last year.
Each county will retain its headquarters, however.
Services to fire and disaster victims also are expected to remain the same, officials say.
The merger should also enhance both chapter's abilities to offer lifesaving classes such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, first aid and lifeguard classes and other programs, a news release says.
Merging chapters has been an ongoing trend for the ARC for the last 15 years, said Phil Zepeda, spokesman for the Red Cross national headquarters.
There used to be nearly 3,000 chapters in the early 1990s, and now there are about 1,000, he said.
Red Cross officials noted that financial donors may designate their gifts to geographic areas if they wish the money to be used in a certain county.