The  Northern Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross is fundamentally a volunteer organization that provides a variety of services in Manistee County. Disaster services include financial support following fires; food and shelter after large catastrophes; and preparedness education. Help is also available when emergency communication is needed between families and military members. In addition, assistance services encompass CPR and first aid classes; lifeguard and water safety training. American Red Cross also sponsors community blood drives and bone marrow typing.