The Midland Empire Chapter of the American Red Cross is no more after a ribbon cutting held Monday afternoon to recognize the agency’s transition to the American Red Cross of Northwest Missouri.

“It better reflects our location,” said Red Cross Ex. Dir. Angie Springs. “We’ll be recognized throughout the state as to where we’re located.”

Springs said the name change is based on a national initiative for Red Cross chapters to reflect the geographic location covered by the agencies. She said even with the name change, the agency’s service area will continue to cover counties in Kansas.

“We will continue to provide services in 10 counties in Northwest Missouri as well as cover Leavenworth, Atchison and Doniphan counties in Kansas,” said Springs.

The Red Cross first started serving areas in Northwest Missouri when it opened its doors to the community in 1917. But it hasn’t always been known as the Midland Empire Chapter.

“We used to be known as the American Red Cross of Buchanan County,” said Springs. “So this isn’t the first time that our name has changed.”

The agency will now refer to itself by its new name, however re-branding efforts may take some time.

“We will be exhausting all of our Midland Empire branded materials before we switch over to the new name,” said Springs. “However, in all press releases and anything we do in the media everyone will hear us referred to as the American Red Cross of Northwest Missouri.”