The Red Cross summarized the results of its work for 2023 in the Vitebsk region
The Vitebsk regional organization of the Belarusian Red Cross (BRC) summed up its work for 2023 and outlined tasks for the upcoming period at a presidium meeting with the participation of the Deputy Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, Vyacheslav Durnov.
– The Vitebsk regional organization of the Belarusian Red Cross has done a lot, but the main thing is not to slow down the pace, – emphasized Vyacheslav Durnov. – I am confident that the ideas and opportunities we have will be utilized and implemented. In this regard, it is necessary to constantly strengthen the organization's potential, its material and technical base, develop interaction with government bodies and non-governmental structures, educational and healthcare institutions, enterprises, and organizations. Our entire society should be involved in this work. The financing of the Belarusian Red Cross is mainly formed from membership fees, and in this regard, it is necessary to improve the work of primary organizations. Thus, for 2024, we have set ourselves the task of switching to a declarative principle for calculating membership fees. We are setting the bar at 85%, but we need to strive to increase it. This work needs to be actively engaged in.
Galina Zhelanova, Chairperson of the Vitebsk Regional Organization of the Belarusian Red Cross, emphasized that 2023 was a period of creating a solid foundation for moving forward, utilizing new opportunities dictated by the times, and thanks to specific initiatives, many people received real assistance. For instance, from March to April 2023, the organization's staff and volunteers provided assistance to the population affected by the spring floods in the Vitebsk region. Over two weeks, trips were made to Verkhnedvinsk, Gorodok, Miory, Shumilino, and Polotsk districts to assess the situation, provide humanitarian and household aid, and psychosocial support. During the response operation, food and hygiene kits, and drinking water were delivered to 79 households affected by the floods.
The "Dapamoga" medico-social service of the Vitebsk Regional Organization of the Belarusian Red Cross provided assistance to 77 beneficiaries, including 68 who received services within the framework of state social procurement. In 2023, activities continued to support refugees from Ukraine and other countries, who were provided with cash and voucher assistance. The crisis center continued its operation, accommodating 19 individuals in need of temporary housing. The organization's specialist in psychological first aid and psychologist worked with migrants from Ukraine at the center.
The Vitebsk Regional Organization implemented 14 international projects in the region. The organization is supported by 2240 volunteers.
In 2024, the Red Cross in the Vitebsk region will introduce a new form of teamwork: social procurement will be implemented not only in the healthcare sector but also through the Committee for Labor, Employment, and Social Protection of the Regional Executive Committee. Three teams will be formed in Novopolotsk, Orsha, and Polotsk, which will allow for serving as many lonely citizens as possible.
The summary concluded with the presentation of well-deserved awards for active participation and significant contribution to achieving the goals and objectives of the Belarusian Red Cross. The final meeting was attended by deputy chairpersons of city and district executive committees, chief physicians of healthcare institutions of the Vitebsk region, and Russian partners from the northern region – representatives of the Pskov region.
Vyacheslav Durnov also drew attention to the importance of the upcoming electoral campaign. For the first time, February 25 will mark the Unified Voting Day, as stipulated by the updated Constitution. Recognizing the significance of this socio-political event for the country's development and the maintenance of stability and well-being in Belarusian society, it is necessary to conduct appropriate informational and organizational work within your teams.