Columbiana County Red Crosses to merge

SALEM —   Columbiana County’s two American Red Cross Chapters plan to merge. The North Columbiana Chapter in Salem had approved the idea and the East Liverpool chapter approved the plan this week. The national Red Cross organization is expected to approve the move by this summer.

Both chapters have buildings and both are to be sold. The Salem chapter will move into the Kent State University City Center. The East Liverpool branch will find a new location.

The combined organization will be named the American Red Cross Greater Pottery Area Chapter, according to Ginger Grilli, the executive director of the Salem office. The combined chapter will include portions of Mahoning County and Hancock County in West Virginia.

The consolidation will reduce paperwork and administrative costs.