The Health Department of Lockport consisted of a Health Office, Health Commissioner, and Health and Plumbing Inspector. Communicable Disease Control consisted of vaccinations against Small Pox, and a Diphtheria Immunization Clinic for school children. Most of the pre-schools remain untouched. There was no control of venereal disease. There was no prenatal, infant or pre-school work being done. No popular health instruction existed. Much of the Red Cross program met the city health needs, especially popular was health instruction in the Home Hygiene classes, health instruction given in the home to maternity patients, infants and pre-school children, and reconstructive health work in bedside nursing.

There was a Typhoid epidemic in Gasport with 50 people diagnosed and 5 deaths. The Red Cross supplied all bedding and linen for an emergency hospital.

The first rest tent was set up at the Niagara County Fair with 12, 000 glasses of spring water served and 169 people needed medical assistance.

Wyndham Lawn Home requested nursing services for the children, which was provided weekly for inspection and inoculations. Used clothing was still being distributed and water safety courses started in the Chapter.

1931 – A First Aid Institute was held in Lockport and the Junior Red Cross was reorganized. The Lockport Chapter also became a branch of Travelers Aid Society. Red Cross became the founder of the “Social Service Exchange” (Central Index) to avoid duplication of services with other agencies. A Drought Relief Drive raised $5,017.

1932-1933 – The Chapter moved to 50 Locust Street. Red Cross, with the help of the Jr. Service League, distributed 10,304 items of used clothing and layettes. Bedside Nursing consisted of 3,514 visits and classes were held on sickness prevention, health, pregnancy, and infant care. The feeling was that many of the illnesses contracted could be prevented with common knowledge of cleanliness and healthy eating habits. 320,000 pounds of U.S. Government wheat was distributed to the needy. 1,031 family cards were now included in the Central Index.

1934 – 25,922 garments and 600 quarts of milk were distributed to the needy. Home Nursing was still going strong. Infant hygiene was instituted with a nurse visiting all newborns and teaching the mother the value of health and cleanliness.

A Loan Closet of hospital equipment was formed with air rings, back rests, bed pans, crutches, wheelchairs, hospital gowns, hot water bottles, ice caps and bed linens available for loan to the community.

1935 – LOCAL FUNDS GONE- The Lockport Chapter found itself in the rather distressing situation of having to cease its operations. A letter was written to National Red Cross requesting funds to help out, but the request was denied. National Red Cross suggested adding to the Chapter Treasury by means of card parties, group suppers and similar benefits. The Chapter asked for the resignation of the Executive Secretary and her stenographer to reduce costs but kept the nurse on the payroll. The 18^th Annual Roll Call raised $1,355.27. The Jr. Service League put on a “Style Show” at the Lockport Town & Country Club, plus donations from “Interested Friends” allowed the Red Cross to continue its work.

1936 – New York State agreed to pay $600. a year for Red Cross Nursing. Red Cross endorsed action of the Niagara County Health Association to make a survey of the health situation in Niagara County. A new Public Health Law was written stating that all communicable diseases must be reported by doctors to the local health officer within 24 hours (e.g. Tuberculosis, Typhoid Fever, Diphtheria, Small Pox, Syphilis, etc.). This was the first year there was any mention of the Health Dept. taking over public nursing.

Harrison Radiator contracted with the Red Cross at $50. per month for a visiting nurse service for absent employees; first aid instruction for plant police; an Industrial Nursing Service for employees and families not financially able to afford it; and advising of employees in regard to dirt, health, sanitation and home budgeting.

The Annual Meeting was held at the Lox Plaza Hotel for $.85 per person. It was also the beginning of the Hi-Way First Aid Program.

1937 – Highest Roll Call membership drive since 1920. Many instructional classes were held in the care of patients suffering from communicable diseases. Red Cross School Nursing was begun in Parochial Schools.

Ohio and Mississippi Valley Flood Relief collected $11,313.05, plus one carload each of food and clothing sent from the Lockport Chapter.

1938 – Public Health Nursing distributed gallons of cod liver oil. (This seemed to be a cure-all for many diseases!)

The chapter held many “well baby,” vaccination, and home hygiene clinics.

1939 – Red Cross offices moved to the basement of the Post Office Building on the corner of Elm and Main Streets. The Annual Meeting was held at Hi-Gate Manor, 268 High St. at a cost of $.50 per person. The Board of Directors voted to bring to the attention of the Town of Newfane that no lifesaving equipment was available in Olcott, and that the drowning rate was alarming. They suggested placing life rings, warning signs, and cable near the piers at Olcott.

Red Cross manned a First Aid tent at the Niagara County Fair. It was noted that “two lion tamers were clawed!”