With the recent announcement that the Diamond Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross has merged with the Ouachita Area Chapter, some have asked if there will continue to be a staffed office in downtown Arkadelphia.
Dave Fastenow, the Red Cross volunteer who has been appointed as the interim executive director of the Ouachita Area Chapter, said there has been a “merger committee” established under each chapter’s board of directors. The merger committee will also be discussing a new name for the combined chapters. Though Fastenow was reluctant to answer questions in a telephone interview, he said in a press release that this committee was set up to “ensure that the historic Red Cross services provided” in each of the 10 counties continues. “In fact, (it) will ensure that the American Red Cross is properly positioned to grow greater capacity with our disaster preparedness, disaster relief, military and safety training services to this area of the state.”
When asked if the Red Cross will keep its Arkadelphia office open, Fastenow’s response was that “the longer-term view of the American Red Cross is the creation of other points of service locations in various cities across our 10-county service jurisdiction. Our offices in Arkadelphia and Hot Springs will continue to serve as strong anchors in this planning process. Several other Red Cross offices in Arkansas serve multiple county jurisdictions with much success, and we look forward to implementing their best practices in growing service delivery and volunteer engagement.”
But which hours the Arkadelphia office will be open remains unknown, he said. “The exact hours, I can’t say right now. It is certainly going to be our intent” to remain open 40 hours per week. He did not say how many part-time or full-time positions would be at the office.
Another question raised was how the merge would affect the perception of Red Cross’s major donors in Clark County — particularly Clark County United Way. Fastenow said, “As you know, the programs and services of the American Red Cross are made possible through the generosity of financial contributors, the United Way and the generous time and talents of many volunteers. Our boards of directors are committed to sound stewardship and gaining efficiencies in service delivery and local operations, particularly in challenging economic times. Our donors, volunteers and staff expect sound stewardship of their time and donations.”
The merger is set to form a single Red Cross Chapter responsive to 10 counties in the Ouachita Region of the state. The service area for the combined chapters include Garland, Howard, Montgomery, Polk, Sevier, Clark, Dallas, Grant, Hot Spring and Pike counties.
The Ouachita Area Chapter will operate as the lead chapter in the merger.
Fastenow will guide both chapters through the merger process until an Executive Director has been secured. “This decision is challenging, yet necessary, to energize and strengthen the depth of Red Cross services to the people in the counties we serve in disaster and non-disaster periods,” Fastenow said. “I look forward to expanding and fully engaging the participation of the civic and business communities, as well as our religious and educational partners in each of our counties to make certain as many of our residents as possible are trained, and prepared for emergencies of all types.” 
The American Red Cross of Greater Arkansas, regional chapter to 54 counties across the state, shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; teaches lifesaving skills; and supports military members and their families. The American Red Cross provides nearly half of the nation's blood supply. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission. For more information, visit www.redcrosslittlerock.org or join the Red Cross blog at www.redcrosschat.org.