Blanco County gained a new set of caseworkers this week through a day-long class taught by the American Red Cross.

Caseworkers are a critical part of disaster relief, assessing the needs of survivors and connecting them with sources of the relief they need. The new graduates from Blanco and Burnet Counties will be able to help our neighbors if a disaster strikes this area, and can volunteer to go wherever the Red Cross needs them to assist in disaster response nationwide.

Blanco County Disaster Response Group members already deliver immediate aid after disasters, such as food and cleaning supplies. The new training will let these graduates provide more and longer-term help through the resources of the Red Cross.

Instructors for the course were Red Cross veterans Don and Julie Barlow of Marble Falls. The training was held at the First United Methodist Church in Johnson City.

The Disaster Response Group's next training course, on Saturday, October 13, also will be in cooperation with the Red Cross: a full day of first aid, CPR, infant and children's CPR, and the use of defibrillators. This course is the full and official Red Cross training, and earns graduates ARC certification in life-saving skills.

The first aid course will be at the Blanco United Methodist Church. There will be a $45 charge for this course, payable at the door. To register for the day of emergency medical training, call JoAnn Routh at 868-0808. Class size is limited, and enrollment will be first come, first served.