Clara Barton, school teacher, first woman clerk in the U.S. Patent office, Civil War nurse, and founder of the American Red Cross, said, "An institution...that is not selfish, must originate in the recognition of some evil that is adding to the sum of human suffering..."

Members of the Lehigh Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross identify and respond to those struggling in the wake of man made and natural disasters; they bridge the gap from loss to reconstruction.

Nina Johnson, readiness and response manager, directs the efforts of 30 to 40 local volunteers. "We are a volunteer led organization," Johnson said, that provides for the immediate needs of those in crisis.

Johnson, originally from Blue Bell, majored in biology at the former Allentown College of St. Francis DeSales 1974 to 1978. After graduation she worked in pharmaceuticals and joined her husband, also an Allentown College alumni, as an Upper Saucon volunteer firefighter, a service she performed for 25 years.

Seeking a "less stressful" career (Johnson grins wryly as she says this) Johnson became a part-time Red Cross employee Oct. 11, 1993. By April 1994 she had begun working full-time as the readiness and response manager for the Greater Lehigh Valley Chapter. From a first responder to coordinator of services for victims, Johnson has come full circle.

The most common crises occurring in her jurisdiction involve damage from storms, floods and fires. Johnson and her staff move quickly to assist those who have lost power and/or property. Most requests for aid come via the Lehigh Valley's Emergency Management Center.

After a call for aid is received, a Red Cross captain is paged. This individual gathers information and contacts other team members. The group reports to the Red Cross facility and then moves to the disaster site. The level and type of aid offered is determined on a case by case basis. Trained volunteers provide a certified damage assessment and interview victims. Training includes a variety of free classes and equipment.

The Red Cross provides necessity-based supplies such as cots, blankets, food, water, and comfort kits which contain soap, toothpaste, washcloths, etc. However, most aid is presented in the form of credit cards so the recipients may decide which of their needs are most critical.

When discussing assistance, Johnson emphasized renters should purchase insurance so that, if necessary, they can replace all the items lost in a calamity.

In addition to meeting the immediate needs of disaster victims, the Red Cross coordinates with other groups such as the Community Emergency Response Team and the County Animal Response Team. Volunteers also work closely with the Lehigh Valley Health Network and St. Luke's University Health Network to support those requiring hospitalization; many local counselors donate their services as needed.

Johnson fully appreciates the Red Cross's "volunteer core" and "really good support network." Under her direction, the group provides invaluable service and anticipates no tangible return. For example, after the 1999 explosion at Concept Sciences Inc. of Allentown, the Red Cross Center served as a safe haven for those affected. One family lost a father and a son in the blast. Months later, several family members returned to the facility to express their gratitude. Johnson was deeply touched; in her words, "We don't expect that."

In a crisis, Red Cross administrators and volunteers react unselfishly, unobtrusively and immediately to lessen the sum of human suffering. They continually exceed their founder's expectations.