Employees with the State of Michigan who have specialized training in emergency disaster relief assistance may now take a leave of absence to provide relief aid during natural disasters or emergencies under new legislation signed recently by Governor Jennifer Granholm.
"Michigan state employees are committed and caring people who are always willing to come to the aid of fellow citizens in need," Granholm said. "That was never clearer than during the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita when thousands of state employees stepped forward to help. I am proud to sign legislation that provides these public servants with an opportunity to take a leave of absence and provide assistance in times of crisis."
Rep. Kevin Green (R-Grand Rapids) is the author of the bill.
"After helping to rebuild a town in Mississippi devastated by Hurricane Katrina, I realized even more the importance of volunteering," said representative Green. "I have full confidence in the Red Cross and the work they do to improve the lives of others, and this legislation will allow them to more fully utilize the valuable services of certified volunteers who are state employees."
Under the new law, selective state employees trained by the American Red Cross, can apply for leave to help in a disaster.
"We are extremely grateful and commend the leadership of Governor Granholm and Rep. Green for their leadership in developing this state policy," said Joni Hatch, Executive Director for the Calhoun & Branch Chapter Red Cross. The Red Cross encourages local governments as well as private businesses to consider adopting a similar policy. Increasing the number of people trained in disaster relief will help ensure that Michigan citizens have an additional level of protection in the event of a natural disaster or terrorist attack.
The legislation allows non-civil service state employees to be granted unpaid leaves of absence to serve in disaster relief on either the state or national level. In order to qualify, state workers must first be trained and certified as disaster services volunteers through the American Red Cross. The leave of absence can be for up to 10 working days and must be approved by the worker's department head. No more than 50 state employees can be granted paid leave during any fiscal year.
Last year, the American Red Cross in Michigan helped 3,348 people displaced by fires and other disasters in the state, collected more than 415,000 pints of blood, responded to more than 5,600 people evacuated due to hurricane Katrina, and trained 245,116 people in first Aid, CPR, and the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AED's).
To learn more about how you can become trained to respond to disaster emergencies locally or Nationally, please call 269-962-7528.
Your local Red Cross is a United Way Program Delivery Partner.
