Free Red Cross training for military members and family

Published 11:06 pm Monday, April 13, 2009

EVERETT — Servicemen, servicewomen and their families get a chance to receive free health and safety training at the local chapter of the American Red Cross.

The organization is offering scholarships on a first-come, first-served basis to active and reserve members of the military, veterans and their families.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to help people in our community be prepared and learn life-saving skills,” said Bev Walker, the chapter’s director of Service to the Armed Forces and International Services.

Applicants must live or work in Snohomish County.

The money for the scholarships, a total of $4,500, came from a federal Department of Defense grant. About a dozen people have signed up so far.

Space is available, but time is running out: classes must be completed by May 31.

Eligible classes include CPR and first aid, baby-sitting. HIV and AIDS training.

This is the first time the chapter was able to offer these scholarships, Walker said.

Red Cross training courses typically cost more than $50, Walker said. It’s as cheap as the chapter can provide them. “(The scholarships are) truly a good value. Hopefully, this would help folks who maybe otherwise couldn’t afford it to get prepared,” she said.

Walker said at least one family member should be trained in first aid and CPR; in the workplace, at least one in 10 people. “They are important skills for all of us to have in our workplace and our neighborhoods.”

Katya Yefimova: 425-339-3452, kyefimova@heraldnet.com.